2017 so far has truly been eventful as far as car launches are concerned. Right from volume churners like the new-gen Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the Tata Tigor to premium executive sedans like the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series we have seen a huge number of car launches in the first half (H1) of 2017. Having said that, carmakers are barely done yet and the latter half of 2017 is set to witness another wave of new cars and facelift launches and here we have listed down the top 10 upcoming cars in India. The range of new cars in India that are yet to arrive is diverse and right front entry-level hatchbacks to SUV, it includes everything.
1. Ford EcoSport Facelift
The Ford EcoSport first arrived in 2013 and changed the automaker’s fortunes in India. However, the current EcoSport has been around for a while now and the new competition has pretty much taken over the popular subcompact SUV. With the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza’s strong dominance, Ford is looking to re-establish its position in the segment and will be introducing the comprehensively updated EcoSport during the festive season this year. The globally updated model was unveiled in the US late last year and gets cosmetic upgrades including a larger front grille, revised headlamps and reworked bumper.
The pint-sized Ford SUV will also get new alloy wheels, re-profiled tail lamps and and beefier rear bumper. Inside, the cabin will sport a new touchscreen infotainment system while the dashboard will also see updates. The updates should keep the EcoSport popular amidst rivals, as it continues to be the American carmaker’s most selling offering in India. Engine options will remain the same with the 1-litre EcoBoost, 1.5-litre petrol Ti-VCT and TDCi diesel options.
Expected Launch: September-October 2017
Expected Price: ₹ 7.30 Lakh to ₹ 11 lakh
2. New-Gen Hyundai Verna
It has been quite a while since the Hyundai Verna has received a generation upgrade in India. Hyundai gave the car a facelift last year and is now working on the new-gen model which is set to arrive next year. Based on the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy, the new generation Hyundai Verna is angular and bears resemblance to the all-new Elantra sedan. The swept back headlamps are reminiscent of the ones on the existing model but thanks to the overall design of the car, the face now looks sharper. The cluster comes shod with projector lights, LED DRLs, while the bumper gets angular fog lamps.
The cabin is all-black and looks premium and gets brushed silver finish all over. There’s a large 8-inch touchscreen display in the centre console and it’ll also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options (which we’ve seen in the Elantra). Other features will include auto climate control, sunroof, push button start and much more.
The 2017 Hyundai Verna will be powered by 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel naturally aspirated engines that will produce power between 98 bhp to 120 bhp. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and automatic. The automatic though will be available only on the 1.6-litre versions of the car.
Expected Launch: 22nd August 2017 (Tentative)
Expected Price: ₹ 8 lakh – ₹ 12 lakh
3. Nissan X-Trail Hybrid
The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid has already made an appearance in India at the 2016 Auto Expo. Upon launch, it will be the only hybrid SUV in the country and our country will only be the 4th market in the world to have the new X-Trail hybrid. Owing to poor monthly sales, Nissan had decided to withdraw the X-Trail from India a few years ago. However, this model is built on a completely new platform and will be introduced at a time when Indian buyers are accepting premium SUVs in India. The X-Trail Hybrid is built on the CMF-C platform, which will also make its debut in India.
Upcoming Nissan X-Trail Hybrid SUVThe Nissan X-Trail Hybrid will compete with the new VW Tiguan
The SUV will have a 5-seater layout and measure 4,640mm in length, 1,820mm in width and 1,715mm in height. The wheelbase is 2,705mm. Under the hood will be a 2.0-litre petrol engine which makes 142bhp and 200Nm of torque. There is also a 31kW electric motor that is coupled with the engine which takes the total power output to 183bhp. The transmission duties will be done by the X-CVT unit which can also be specified with an AWD system. The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid will be launched in India as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) and therefore, will be carrying a premium price.
Expected Launch: Late-2017
Expected Price: Rs 32 Lakh to Rs 35 Lakh
4. New-Gen Toyota Camry
Toyota will launch the new generation Camry sedan and hybrid. The car has been one of the best-selling models in Toyota’s line-up, globally and the success of the Camry hybrid sedan in India has been one example. As the outgoing model, we’ll get the new-gen Camry in both its sedan and hybrid avatar and according to the company the model will be dynamic and offer improved handling and comfort. Moreover, Toyota says that the next generation Camry will definitely be positioned as a fun to drive and performance-oriented sedan.
Technical specification and details are yet to be revealed but specification-wise and price-wise, the new Camry will have extremely varied versions to suit different markets. It should break cover sometime next year, with market introductions by 2018 at the very latest. An Auto Expo debut in Feb 2018 is looking highly likely than for India too.
Expected Launch: 2018
Expected Price: ₹ 30 lakh to ₹ 35 lakh
5. Tata Nexon
The other product that could be a game changer for the Indian automaker, the Tata Nexon subcompact SUV made its debut as a concept at the 2014 Auto Expo, while a more production ready version was also on display at the Auto Expo this year. The sub 4-metre model will be competing with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV300 and the likes in the segment.
Specifications are still scarce on the all-new offering, but the Tata Nexon is expected to be powered by the 1.2-litre petrol and possibly a newly developed 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmissions options will include a 6-speed manual and AMT units. The Nexon is expected to be feature loaded inside the cabin and is expected to feature a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone connectivity and a lot more. The Nexon will also be the smallest SUV to come from Tata Motors.
Expected Launch: Late-2017
Expected Price: ₹ 6.5 lakh to ₹ 10 lakh
5. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Facelift
While the 2017 Honda City facelift has arrived and already amassed well over 5000 bookings, Maruti Suzuki is no mood to let go of its leadership in the C-segment sedan space. That’s why the Indian auto giant is readying up the facelifted version of the Ciaz sedan which is likely to be one of the upcoming cars this year. First launched in 2014, the Ciaz will be receiving significant changes over the outgoing version, but do not expect major updates to the design or powertrain of the model. Instead, the sedan will see premium touches being added to the exterior and interior.
The 2017 Maruti Suzuki Ciaz facelift is expected to get a revised grille and alloy wheels, new daytime running lights, revised headlamp and tail light cluster as part of the changes. A sunroof is also expected to be added to the ensemble. The interior will also see a more premium appearance while the feature list is likely to remain the same, albeit some new additions. Powertrain options will include the 1.4-litre K-Series petrol and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engines with the latter getting the mild-hybrid SHVS system. A marginal price hike will also be in order.
Expected Launch: Late 2017
Expected Price: ₹ 8 lakh to ₹ 13 lakh
6. Skoda Kodiaq
After its preview in Berlin and a comprehensive review of the Kodiaq, we’ve finally seen it being tested in India and this certainly is good news. The launch is not that far then and we’re waiting eagerly to see when Skoda plans to launch it here. The Kodiaq is the Czech carmaker’s first large SUV and also its first 7-seater car; though it is a 5-seater, Skoda will offer the optional 7-seat configuration too.
The Skoda Kodiaq is measures 4697 mm in length, 1882 mm in width and 1676 mm in height. The SUV’s wheelbase measures 2791 mm. and offers rear legroom of up to 104 mm. The Kodiaq is the latest of the Volkswagen Group models to be underpinned by the company’s versatile MQB platform, which makes for a lighter yet rigid construction, leading higher fuel economy. Skoda is likely to offer the Kodiaq with the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine mated to the 7-speed DSG. A petrol version may also be added in the future.
Expected Launch: September 2017
Expected Price: ₹ 25 lakh to ₹ 30 lakh
7. Renault Kaptur
The all-new Renault Kaptur is a long-awaited upcoming cars in India and a completely different model when compared to the Captur subcompact crossover sold in the European market. Having tasted success in the SUV segment with the Duster, Renault India is now looking to capitalise on the same and is in the process of introducing the new Kaptur premium SUV next year. The new Renault Kaptur shares its underpinnings with the carmaker’s popular compact SUV Duster, but will be positioned above the latter in India. The styling, however, is very European and comes with the V-shaped grille up front and the massive Renault diamond.
renault kaptur
The rear profile, on the other hand, gets a raked windscreen with a roof spoiler and wraparound tail lamps. We expect the familiar 1.5-litre dCi four-cylinder diesel engine to make its way into the Kaptur and that will be available in the 108 bhp version with 245 Nm of torque on offer. The oil burner will come paired to a 6-speed manual transmission, while Renault is likely to offer the Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) gearbox on the SUV, given its premium position, instead of the Easy-R AMT unit seen on the Duster.
Expected Launch: December 2017
Expected Price: ₹ 13 lakh to ₹ 17 lakh
8. Maruti Suzuki S-Cross Facelift
The S-Cross came to India last year as the maiden product of Maruti Suzuki’s new premium dealership – NEXA. While Maruti Suzuki had hoped for a better response as regards this car, the sales didn’t really take off which is why Maruti Suzuki thought of bringing in a facelift of the car. Now, the facelift of the S-Cross was already showcased at the 2016 Paris Motor Show and back then we saw the changes that the company made to the car. The droopy look has given way to a bolder one. The front grille has been given a more prominent distinction and is lined in chrome (plastic) fixtures. The headlights are now more distinguishable with LED fitments and the taillights follow suit with standard LED bulbs. There’s a more rugged black plastic diffuser and the ground clearance at 180mm remains unchanged. The cabin remains almost unchanged as it uses soft-touch materials and framing highlights for the centre control panel. There is some new fabric too and a double sliding panoramic glass sunroof, which is one of the largest in the segment.
Expected Launch: October 2017
Expected Price: ₹ 8 lakh to ₹ 12 lakh
9. Ford Figo Facelift
We recently spotted the Ford Figo facelift in India and told you all about it. In fact, though heavily camouflaged, we can see quite a few elements that are new up front and at the rear. The front bumper gets new lower air intakes and the headlamps too have been revised.
ford figo facelift
The signature Ford grille remains but we get to see plastic cladding over the wheel arches, which is normally visible on ‘Crossover’ variants. At the rear, the bumper is all new and maintains Ford’s signature look. The Figo facelift also gets twin-spoke black alloy wheels, which is a new design and unlike the multi-spokes. Ford will bring the car to India soon and we wait to find out more
Expected Launch: December 2017
Expected Price: ₹ 4 lakh to ₹ 9 lakh
10. Mahindra KUV100
Mahindra saw decent sales figures for the KUV 100 in initial days, it dropped since Maruti Suzuki launched their Ignis. For this, Mahindra is now working on updating the KUV 100 with a facelift which was recently spotted testing near Chennai. The Mahindra KUV 100 will only see cosmetic changes, while continuing with the same engine options.
At present, Mahindra has managed to sell close to 55,000 units of the KUV 100 since its launch last year. As far as the images go, the KUV 100 facelift will see redesigned headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, revised front grille and restyled fog lamps. Moreover, the KUV 100 facelift will also get a new set of alloy wheels, taking cue from XUV500. The rear of the KUV 100 facelift will also be refreshed; however, details are still sketchy. It is expected that the KUV100 will get the AMT this time around
[source=auto.ndtv]