With the Auto Expo 2016 around the corner, we handpick the ten production-ready cars to be launched/unveiled/previewed at the automotive extravaganza that’ll aim to win their respective market segments in 2016.
Tata Nexon
The Nexon will be Tata’s maiden attempt at cracking the fiercely competitive compact SUV/crossover segment. The heavy inspiration for the design comes from the Nexon Concept (above) showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo, and from what we know already, the styling promises to be radical for its segment. The Nexon will employ a turbocharged 1.2 litre, three-cylinder, all-aluminium Revotron petrol engine from the Zica, with close to 120 PS on tap. A 1.3-litre Multijet oil burner is also expected to power the Nexon and should deliver about 75 PS of power. There will be an F-Tronic AMT for the diesel on offer, in a more refined state of tune.
Tata Zica compact sedan (Sway?)
Back in 2009, Tata Motors devised the compact sedan segment with the Indigo CS. In due course, the Zest became more of a spiritual successor, as the CS’s appeal had dwindled down to taxi cab operator levels. The new Zica based compact sedan, said to be the called the Sway, will join the Zest in a bid to sway back the segment towards Tata’s name again. Power-train options are likely to be shared with the Zica hatchback, which means that the Sway will be powered by two all-new petrol and diesel engines.
Hyundai Tucson
The new Hyundai Tucson will make its India debut at the upcoming 2016 Auto Expo in Greater Noida, while an official launch will take place sometime later in 2016. The new Tucson will slot between the hot-selling Creta and the more expensive Santa Fe. The Indian version of the crossover is expected to be powered by a 2.0 litre CRDi diesel engine with a peak power output of 182 PS and peak torque rated at 400 Nm. Featuring Hyundai’s Active On-Demand AWD system the car will be available only with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai will showcase its all-new, sixth generation Elantra at the upcoming Auto Expo next month. With the new Elantra’s design revolving around Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, the refreshed mid-size sedan maintains its predecessor’s familiar silhouette. However, most of the character lines are defined better, while the surfaces get tauter. The all-new Elantra is available with a choice of two diesel engines – 1.6 VGT, 1.6 GDi, and one petrol engine – 2.0 MPi Atkinson for the Korean market. Transmission options include a six-speed automatic, a six-speed manual, and a seven-speed DCT (Double Clutch Transmission), with the latter available only for the diesel 1.6 VGT.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The second generation of the Tiguan is the first Volkswagen Group SUV to be based on the flexible MQB (modular transverse matrix) platform. Mechanically, a broad range of eight engines is available with power outputs ranging between 115 PS and 240 PS. All the engines are claimed to be up to 24 per cent more fuel-efficient than those of the previous model. The new 4MOTION Active Control also lets drivers adjust the all-wheel-drive system more individually and easier to all possible driving conditions. The Tiguan will take the fight to the all-conquering Hyundai Creta.
Volkswagen Ameo
Volkswagen’s compact sedan, the Ameo which has been specifically designed for the Indian market, is set to leave for its premiere in New Delhi. The most significant change in the Ameo, when compared to the Vento, would be the flat profile of the posterior. The flatter and smaller rear profile were designed based on the factor that the car should fulfil the sub-4-metre requirement. Powering the Ameo could be a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine and a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, both mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
The Vitara Brezza is Maruti’s first compact SUV, apart from being the manufacturer’s first product to be completely designed and developed in India. The Maruti Vitara Brezza, upon launch, will only be available with a diesel engine. The said engine is most likely to be the familiar 1.3-litre, turbocharged unit sourced from Fiat. However, it remains to be seen which state of tune (75 PS or 90 PS) the engine will be offered in the compact SUV. Other attributes include handsome looks, and a feature-rich top end variant. The Brezza is here to give the Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV300 a hard time.
Honda BR-V
Honda’s upcoming compact crossover will take a crack at India’s burgeoning compact premium SUV segment. Based on the same platform that underpins the Brio, Amaze and Mobilio, the Honda BR-V was first showcased at the Indonesia International Auto Show in August 2015. The BR-V will be launched in India in the next fiscal, while it will be showcased in the country for the first time at the 2016 Auto Expo. For India, the Honda BR-V compact crossover will be powered by the familiar 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. While the diesel engine will be the 1.5-litre i-DTEC unit found in all of Honda Car India’s line-up except the Brio, petrol power will be bought by the 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine that does duty in the City, Mobilio and Amaze.
Jaguar XE
The Jaguar XE has been confirmed to be a part of Jaguar’s India line-up at the upcoming Auto Expo. The car will be launched in February at India’s largest auto show and will present itself as the entry-level model from the British car maker. The XE will give company to the XF and F pace that is also scheduled to be displayed. Mechanically, the Jaguar XE will be available with 3 engine options; one four-cyliner diesel and two petrol units (four and six-cylinder); all from Jaguar Land Rover’s new Ingenium family of engines. The XE is built around Jaguar’s new aluminium intensive architecture.
BMW X1
Along with the new 7 Series, BMW India will launch the all-new X1 at the Auto Expo. To replace the popular, current generation X1, the next generation of BMW’s smallest SUV will be based on the brand’s FWD UKL1 architecture which also underpins the 2-Series Active and Grand Tourer minivans, apart from the MINI hatchback. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine in three states of tune (150 PS and 330 Nm; 190 PS and 400 Nm; 231 PS and 450 Nm of torque) is available internationally, along with a couple of four cylinder petrol engines. The new X1 will aim to shake up the entry-level luxury crossover scene, which is currently being enjoyed by the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA.