Post by Angelina on Aug 27, 2012 16:04:20 GMT 5.5
Audi S6/S7/S8
Think of Audi’s ‘S’ cars as the sportier cousins of the normal line-up with the S variant’s more powerful engines and slightly extroverted design details being the key differentiators here. India will get the entire S range that includes the S4, S5, S6, S7 and S8 in 2012. The new S6 that was launched at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show comes with a 414bhp, 4-litre twin-turbo V8. Performance will be entertaining, to say the least. Another new addition to the S line is the S8. Marrying sports car performance to limo-like luxury, the S8 shares its engine with the S6, but power is an even higher 513bhp. Pricing is yet not known, but expect these S cars to cost considerably more than the current range-topping variants for each model. However, the S5 will be a cheaper option to the more powerful RS5. S6 will spearhead Audi’s S line’s entry into India. S8 is sports car and limo rolled into one. . Sportier petrol S7 will join diesel A7 sibling.
Factfile:
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8.
Power/Torque: 414bhp/ 56.13kgm
Kerb weight: 1895kg
L/W/H: 4931/1874/NA mm
Expected: Mid 2012
Price: Rs 85 lakh
Ashok Leyland Stile
Where the Nissan Evalia will target at private car buyers, the Stile from partner Ashok Leyland will be positioned as a commercial people mover. It will get a far more basic interior and will also do without many features like ABS and airbags. The Stile and Evalia will also come with different powertrains and engine’s in different states of tune. However, a cargo version is a possibility and there could be a seven seat CNG version too. But don’t expect to see the Stile on roads any time soon. It will be launched six months after the Evalia that arrives in late 2012.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 105bhp/24.4kgm
Kerb weight: 1269kg
L/W/H: 4400/1695/1860mm
Expected: Early 2013
Price: Rs 7.5-9.5 lakh
Chevrolet Enjoy (MPV)
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) that picked up a 50 percent stake in GM India last year has big plans for India. Among the products headed here is the Wuling-made CN-100 MPV. The CN-100 may not score too high on styling but its trump card will be its versatility. Likely to be sold as a seven-seater, its second and third row seats can also be folded flat or removed altogether. Powering the MPV will be a 1.4-litre petrol engine that will be joined by the Fiat-sourced 1.3 Multijet diesel in 2013. The CN-100 will be manufactured at General Motors’ Talegaon plant and will be sold under the Chevrolet brand name. With no diesel option available until 2013, GM will have to price the CN-100 very competitively to attract buyers. Don’t be surprised if this one comes with a sub-Rs 6 lakh price tag.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol
Power/Torque: 102bhp/13.35kgm
Kerb weight: 1205kg
L/W/H: 4305/1680/1750mm
Expected: July 2012
Price: Rs 6 lakh
Chevrolet Sail Saloon
The Sail is Chevrolet’s weapon for a fresh assault in the midsize segment. Designed and developed in China by GM and SAIC, the Sail looks every bit a modern Chevy. The proportions are nice and styling is sharp all over. Interior space is a highlight and that should give it an edge over smaller rivals like the Maruti Swift Dzire.
Power will come courtesy a 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 102bhp, and eventually the 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced Multijet diesel. Interestingly, the Sail platform has its roots in the same Opel Corsa that was on sale in India till 2006; so the car should not be too expensive for Chevrolet to produce. Prices are likely to be affordable, ranging from Rs 6-7.5 lakh.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol
Power/Torque: 102bhp/13.35kgm
Kerb weight: 1070kg
L/W/H: 4249/1690/1505mm
Expected: September 2012
Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh
Chevrolet Sail hatchback
Simply put, small cars equal big sales. And this small car has the potential to seriously put the wind in Chevrolet’s sales (pun intended)! The Sail hatchback that will be launched before the saloon looks striking whichever angle you look at it. The design looks neat and, like the saloon, its spacious interiors will be a selling point. It is likely to share the Beat’s 1.2-litre petrol engine and also get the 1.3-litre Fiat Multijet within a year of launch. Costs will be kept low thanks to the car sharing many components with the saloon. A sub-Rs 4 lakh base price would make it a very enticing option.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol
Power/Torque: 79bhp/10.91kgm
Kerb weight: 1070kg
L/W/H: 3947/1690/1503mm
Expected: July 2012
Price: Rs 4-6 lakh
New Force Trax
Some numbers first. The Mahindra Bolero sells on average 7,000 units a month. On the other hand, its direct competitor in the utility vehicle market, the Force Trax sells about 700 units each month. Force Motors is now readying a new version which should make the Trax a more serious alternative to the Bolero. Smarter styling and better interiors will lead the list of changes. The new Trax will also get the OM616 engine that features a two-valve CRDi system. This BS IV-compliant motor will allow the Trax to be sold in metros as well.
Factfile:
Engine: 2.6-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 5.5-6.5 lakh
Force MPV
Force Motors is set to follow up the Force One with a new MPV. The MPV in question is the Viano that will be manufactured under license from Mercedes-Benz.
The MPV will, in all likelihood, be an eight-seater making it an attractive option for large families and tour operators. The Force Motors MPV is likely to feature the same Mercedes-Benz licensed OM611 engine as employed on the Force One. This 2.2-litre common-rail diesel engine produces 139bhp at 3800rpm. Power will be transmitted to the rear wheels (just as on the Viano) via a five-speed gearbox. Prices are not known yet but we expect the van to sport a price tag between Rs 10-15 lakh.
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Factfile:
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 139bhp/32.7kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: 4763/1338/2253mm
Expected: Late 2012
Price: Rs 10-15 lakh
Fiat Punto Evo
Fiat is ready with a set of cosmetic upgrades for its Punto hatchback. To be called the Punto Evo, the car will receive a new front bumper with integrated foglamps, a new front grille and slightly reworked headlights. The tail-lights will also be tweaked and there will be a redesigned rear bumper too. The European Evo features a new dashboard though it remains to be seen if the Indian car will get this. The current engine options are likely to continue though we expect a small price increment across the range.
Factfile:
Engines: 1.2 litre-petrol, 1.4 litre-petrol, 1.3-litre-diesel, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 67bhp/9.76kgm, 89bhp/ 11.67kgm, 75bhp/20kgm, 90bhp/21.3kgm
Kerb weight: 1090-1145kg
L/W/H: NA/1687/1495mm
Ford EcoSport
We’ve been tracking the EcoSport for quite some time and can confirm the final few details on Ford’s exciting new mini-SUV. First and foremost is to do with the EcoSport’s length. Ford has been cagey about the EcoSport’s dimensions, but we now know for sure it will be a sub-four metre vehicle. That means the EcoSport qualifies as a small car and will avail of a lower rate of excise duty. We hear Ford is looking at a really aggressive price tag for the EcoSport so we won’t be too surprised if the base model retails for under Rs 6 lakh.
Another piece of good news is that the production model looks very similar to the concept that was first shown at the Auto Expo 2012. Its tall stance and chunky styling are pure SUV and that’s sure to be a huge draw for Indian buyers. Adding brawn to the design is the lagre trapezoidal grille, cladding on the lower front bumper and side sills and fixed spare wheel at the back. However, the large wheel arches also make the EcoSport’s 16-inch wheels look small and we expect the Indian car to get 17-inchers. As on the concept, the roof gets chrome rails and the rear side windows have the familiar Ford upwards kink in the window line.
As expected, the EcoSport will also share many cabin components with the Fiesta and the dashboard is similar in design too. There should be decent space for four occupants but boot space will be no larger than a hatchback’s. Interestingly, the EcoSport’s touch sensitive and electric operated boot release is hidden in the tail light cluster.
Like the Fiesta, the EcoSport is underpinned by Ford’s global B-platform, so excellent dynamics are almost a given on this mini-SUV. The EcoSport will also be sold with the 1.5-litre diesel engine as offered on the Fiesta but the big news is the debut of Ford’s latest 1-litre EcoBoost petrol motor. While its small displacement may suggest otherwise, the engine benefits from turbocharging and direct injection to make it just as powerful as a 1.6-litre motor while being more efficient at the same time. What remains to be seen is if Indian buyers will readily take to such a small capacity motor.
Ford thinks it has the right product for the Indian market. We’ll know when the EcoSport hits Indian roads in early 2013.
Factfile:
Engines: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA, 88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh
Ford Fiesta hatchback
There has been a lot of interest in the new Fiesta hatchback of late and if our spy picture of a test car is anything to go by, then Ford seems to have finally decided to manufacture the model in India.
The hatchback is identical to the saloon up till the B-pillar. Thereafter, the smartly executed hatch section gives the car better proportions than the Fiesta saloon. The interiors will be shared with the saloon as will the pair of 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. While it will be positioned as a premium hatchback, pricing will still be critical. If priced above Rs 6.5 lakh, the Fiesta hatchback could have the same fate as the Honda Jazz when it was first launched.
Factfile:
Engines: 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 107bhp/14.2kgm,
88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1153kg
L/W/H: 3950/1722/1475mm
Expected: Mid-2012 Price: Rs 6.5 lakh
Think of Audi’s ‘S’ cars as the sportier cousins of the normal line-up with the S variant’s more powerful engines and slightly extroverted design details being the key differentiators here. India will get the entire S range that includes the S4, S5, S6, S7 and S8 in 2012. The new S6 that was launched at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show comes with a 414bhp, 4-litre twin-turbo V8. Performance will be entertaining, to say the least. Another new addition to the S line is the S8. Marrying sports car performance to limo-like luxury, the S8 shares its engine with the S6, but power is an even higher 513bhp. Pricing is yet not known, but expect these S cars to cost considerably more than the current range-topping variants for each model. However, the S5 will be a cheaper option to the more powerful RS5. S6 will spearhead Audi’s S line’s entry into India. S8 is sports car and limo rolled into one. . Sportier petrol S7 will join diesel A7 sibling.
Factfile:
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8.
Power/Torque: 414bhp/ 56.13kgm
Kerb weight: 1895kg
L/W/H: 4931/1874/NA mm
Expected: Mid 2012
Price: Rs 85 lakh
Ashok Leyland Stile
Where the Nissan Evalia will target at private car buyers, the Stile from partner Ashok Leyland will be positioned as a commercial people mover. It will get a far more basic interior and will also do without many features like ABS and airbags. The Stile and Evalia will also come with different powertrains and engine’s in different states of tune. However, a cargo version is a possibility and there could be a seven seat CNG version too. But don’t expect to see the Stile on roads any time soon. It will be launched six months after the Evalia that arrives in late 2012.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 105bhp/24.4kgm
Kerb weight: 1269kg
L/W/H: 4400/1695/1860mm
Expected: Early 2013
Price: Rs 7.5-9.5 lakh
Chevrolet Enjoy (MPV)
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) that picked up a 50 percent stake in GM India last year has big plans for India. Among the products headed here is the Wuling-made CN-100 MPV. The CN-100 may not score too high on styling but its trump card will be its versatility. Likely to be sold as a seven-seater, its second and third row seats can also be folded flat or removed altogether. Powering the MPV will be a 1.4-litre petrol engine that will be joined by the Fiat-sourced 1.3 Multijet diesel in 2013. The CN-100 will be manufactured at General Motors’ Talegaon plant and will be sold under the Chevrolet brand name. With no diesel option available until 2013, GM will have to price the CN-100 very competitively to attract buyers. Don’t be surprised if this one comes with a sub-Rs 6 lakh price tag.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol
Power/Torque: 102bhp/13.35kgm
Kerb weight: 1205kg
L/W/H: 4305/1680/1750mm
Expected: July 2012
Price: Rs 6 lakh
Chevrolet Sail Saloon
The Sail is Chevrolet’s weapon for a fresh assault in the midsize segment. Designed and developed in China by GM and SAIC, the Sail looks every bit a modern Chevy. The proportions are nice and styling is sharp all over. Interior space is a highlight and that should give it an edge over smaller rivals like the Maruti Swift Dzire.
Power will come courtesy a 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 102bhp, and eventually the 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced Multijet diesel. Interestingly, the Sail platform has its roots in the same Opel Corsa that was on sale in India till 2006; so the car should not be too expensive for Chevrolet to produce. Prices are likely to be affordable, ranging from Rs 6-7.5 lakh.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol
Power/Torque: 102bhp/13.35kgm
Kerb weight: 1070kg
L/W/H: 4249/1690/1505mm
Expected: September 2012
Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh
Chevrolet Sail hatchback
Simply put, small cars equal big sales. And this small car has the potential to seriously put the wind in Chevrolet’s sales (pun intended)! The Sail hatchback that will be launched before the saloon looks striking whichever angle you look at it. The design looks neat and, like the saloon, its spacious interiors will be a selling point. It is likely to share the Beat’s 1.2-litre petrol engine and also get the 1.3-litre Fiat Multijet within a year of launch. Costs will be kept low thanks to the car sharing many components with the saloon. A sub-Rs 4 lakh base price would make it a very enticing option.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol
Power/Torque: 79bhp/10.91kgm
Kerb weight: 1070kg
L/W/H: 3947/1690/1503mm
Expected: July 2012
Price: Rs 4-6 lakh
New Force Trax
Some numbers first. The Mahindra Bolero sells on average 7,000 units a month. On the other hand, its direct competitor in the utility vehicle market, the Force Trax sells about 700 units each month. Force Motors is now readying a new version which should make the Trax a more serious alternative to the Bolero. Smarter styling and better interiors will lead the list of changes. The new Trax will also get the OM616 engine that features a two-valve CRDi system. This BS IV-compliant motor will allow the Trax to be sold in metros as well.
Factfile:
Engine: 2.6-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 5.5-6.5 lakh
Force MPV
Force Motors is set to follow up the Force One with a new MPV. The MPV in question is the Viano that will be manufactured under license from Mercedes-Benz.
The MPV will, in all likelihood, be an eight-seater making it an attractive option for large families and tour operators. The Force Motors MPV is likely to feature the same Mercedes-Benz licensed OM611 engine as employed on the Force One. This 2.2-litre common-rail diesel engine produces 139bhp at 3800rpm. Power will be transmitted to the rear wheels (just as on the Viano) via a five-speed gearbox. Prices are not known yet but we expect the van to sport a price tag between Rs 10-15 lakh.
[/img]
Factfile:
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 139bhp/32.7kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: 4763/1338/2253mm
Expected: Late 2012
Price: Rs 10-15 lakh
Fiat Punto Evo
Fiat is ready with a set of cosmetic upgrades for its Punto hatchback. To be called the Punto Evo, the car will receive a new front bumper with integrated foglamps, a new front grille and slightly reworked headlights. The tail-lights will also be tweaked and there will be a redesigned rear bumper too. The European Evo features a new dashboard though it remains to be seen if the Indian car will get this. The current engine options are likely to continue though we expect a small price increment across the range.
Factfile:
Engines: 1.2 litre-petrol, 1.4 litre-petrol, 1.3-litre-diesel, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 67bhp/9.76kgm, 89bhp/ 11.67kgm, 75bhp/20kgm, 90bhp/21.3kgm
Kerb weight: 1090-1145kg
L/W/H: NA/1687/1495mm
Ford EcoSport
We’ve been tracking the EcoSport for quite some time and can confirm the final few details on Ford’s exciting new mini-SUV. First and foremost is to do with the EcoSport’s length. Ford has been cagey about the EcoSport’s dimensions, but we now know for sure it will be a sub-four metre vehicle. That means the EcoSport qualifies as a small car and will avail of a lower rate of excise duty. We hear Ford is looking at a really aggressive price tag for the EcoSport so we won’t be too surprised if the base model retails for under Rs 6 lakh.
Another piece of good news is that the production model looks very similar to the concept that was first shown at the Auto Expo 2012. Its tall stance and chunky styling are pure SUV and that’s sure to be a huge draw for Indian buyers. Adding brawn to the design is the lagre trapezoidal grille, cladding on the lower front bumper and side sills and fixed spare wheel at the back. However, the large wheel arches also make the EcoSport’s 16-inch wheels look small and we expect the Indian car to get 17-inchers. As on the concept, the roof gets chrome rails and the rear side windows have the familiar Ford upwards kink in the window line.
As expected, the EcoSport will also share many cabin components with the Fiesta and the dashboard is similar in design too. There should be decent space for four occupants but boot space will be no larger than a hatchback’s. Interestingly, the EcoSport’s touch sensitive and electric operated boot release is hidden in the tail light cluster.
Like the Fiesta, the EcoSport is underpinned by Ford’s global B-platform, so excellent dynamics are almost a given on this mini-SUV. The EcoSport will also be sold with the 1.5-litre diesel engine as offered on the Fiesta but the big news is the debut of Ford’s latest 1-litre EcoBoost petrol motor. While its small displacement may suggest otherwise, the engine benefits from turbocharging and direct injection to make it just as powerful as a 1.6-litre motor while being more efficient at the same time. What remains to be seen is if Indian buyers will readily take to such a small capacity motor.
Ford thinks it has the right product for the Indian market. We’ll know when the EcoSport hits Indian roads in early 2013.
Factfile:
Engines: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA, 88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 6-7.5 lakh
Ford Fiesta hatchback
There has been a lot of interest in the new Fiesta hatchback of late and if our spy picture of a test car is anything to go by, then Ford seems to have finally decided to manufacture the model in India.
The hatchback is identical to the saloon up till the B-pillar. Thereafter, the smartly executed hatch section gives the car better proportions than the Fiesta saloon. The interiors will be shared with the saloon as will the pair of 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. While it will be positioned as a premium hatchback, pricing will still be critical. If priced above Rs 6.5 lakh, the Fiesta hatchback could have the same fate as the Honda Jazz when it was first launched.
Factfile:
Engines: 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 107bhp/14.2kgm,
88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1153kg
L/W/H: 3950/1722/1475mm
Expected: Mid-2012 Price: Rs 6.5 lakh