Comprehensive List of 2018 Upcoming Cars In India – Top 20

The year 2018 will bring in a whole bunch of mainstream and premium cars to satiate the never ending hunger of auto enthusiasts for new metal. A whole lot of important cars from an Indian perspective are in the middle of their product life cycle and slated to get mid-life facelifts. What’s more, the biennial Auto Expo, to be held in 2018 will also expose us to a whole gamut of new cars targeted at the Indian audience by global carmakers. In this detailed article, we have listed the 20 most pertinent upcoming cars for the Indian market in 2018. This detailed list also comprises a quick summary of design, features, engines and transmission along with the expected launch date and price for all the models.

So without any further ado, let’s go through this comprehensive list of the 2018 Upcoming Cars In India – Top 20:

Mahindra U321 MPV (Codename)

The U321 would be a premium MPV offering from Mahindra and would slot itself between the likes of the Ertiga and the more expensive Innova Crysta. The USPs of the U321 would be a modern design, generous space, a rich set of features and a competitive price for what it offers. The new MUV has been spotted several times testing and will make its show debut at the 2018 Auto Expo. The new car is expected to be powered by a 1.6-litre mFalcon diesel engine with 125 PS of power and 305 Nm of torque. Inside, the MPV will offer seats for seven, with a cabin draped in black and beige upholstery.

Expected price: Rs 15-18 Lakh
Expected launch date: Early-Mid 2018

Ford Figo / Aspire facelift

The new Ford Figo Aspire facelift will feature a revised fascia with new bumpers, grille and headlight design with some changes made to the rear as well. The interior will also get refreshed with a revised dashboard which would include a freestanding screen like the one on the new Ecosport. The infotainment system would be Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compliant too. Under the hood, the face lifted Figo / Aspire duo would likely get Ford’s new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Dragon series petrol engine with an estimated 90 hp of power and 115 Nm of peak torque. Diesel-powered variants will be pushed by Ford’s refined 1.5-litre motor which remains good for a 100bhp. Both engines will be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Expected price: Rs 5.5 – 8 lakh
Expected launch date: February 2018

Mahindra Rexton

The all-new SsangYong Rexton is expected to get re-badged as a Mahindra and would likely make its show debut at the 2018 Auto Expo. The India specific Mahindra branded Rexton will essentially be the same car as the one that sells internationally. However, some changes, mostly cosmetic, would be made to make it look like a proper Mahindra car. The Rexton is a proper off-roader with a body on ladder frame setup and a capable 4×4 system. Powering the international version of the Rexton is a 2.2-litre diesel engine with peak power of 187hp and 420Nm of peak torque. The powerplant is mated to a 7-speed auto transmission.

Expected price: Rs 20 Lakh +
Expected launch date: Late 2018

New Maruti Suzuki Swift

The new Maruti Suzuki Swift has been revealed and reviewed by the auto media in India, though the official launch will take place only at the 2018 Auto Expo. In its 2018 avatar, India’s darling hatch is wider, taller, and also has more cabin space. It’s powered by the same 1.2 petrol and 1.3 diesel engines though with an output of 82PS and 75 PS. The car gets a new design, with stylish LED DRLs and projector headlamps for the top Z plus variants. The interior has also been completely revamped and now features a new driver oriented centre console, flat bottom steering and new seats. The boot volume has also been increased and now stands at 268 litres. The bookings for the new car are on, and the definitive Indian hatchback has a waiting period of 8 months even before its official launch.

Expected price: Rs 5.0 – 8.5 lakh
Expected launch date: February 2018

New 2018 Hyundai Santro

Hyundai is expected to reveal an all-new Santro for India at the 2018 Auto Expo. The new car has been spotted testing on Indian roads and will be launched as a sub-Grand i10 product for this market. The new hatchback is likely to use the 1.0-litre Kappa petrol engine from the Eon and could be offered with the choice of a 5-speed manual or AMT transmission. Based on a new ‘Hyundai family design concept’, expect this new hatch to go head-on against products like the Tata Tiago and Maruti Celerio. The quality of interior and features on the car, being a Hyundai, can be expected to be segment-leading

Expected price: Rs 4 – 7 lakh
Expected launch date: Late 2018

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Facelift

The Ciaz has planted Maruti Suzuki strongly into the 10-lakh plus sedan segment strongly, and the upcoming facelift of the model would further strengthen its position. The facelift has been spotted testing in India a few times, and is expected to carry minor updates to its styling along with some more features inside the cabin. Overall, the Ciaz will continue with its strong USPs of space, comfort, practicality and that big car feel. For the facelift, expect changes on the front bumper, grille and headlights along with revisions made to the cabin layout, upholstery and few other details inside the cabin. The car will continue to use its 1.4 petrol and 1.3 diesel engines.

Expected price: Rs 8 – 12 lakh
Expected launch date: Feb 2018
2018 Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Facelift Review

Toyota Vios

The Vios, also known as the Yaris Ativ in some markets has been on the cards for an India introduction for some time now. The Vios sedan has been spotted in India several times and upon launch will take on the Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Hyundai Verna. The car will sit above the economy oriented Etios and will carry a more premium image. Powering the new car will be a 1.5-litre VVT-i petrol engine with 105hp of power and 140Nm of torque. Diesel option will be offered with the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel producing 87hp and 205Nm, also powering the Corolla Altis. Transmission will be taken care of by a 5-speed manual, a CVT may be offered as an option as well.

Expected price: Rs 9 – 12 lakh
Expected launch date: Mid-2018

Ford Figo Freestyle

The Figo Freestyle is Ford’s crossover-ish take on its Figo hatch and would project itself as a vehicle that augments an active lifestyle with reasonable go-anywhere capability. The Freestyle will get several stylistic upgrades over the Figo hatch such as plastic under-cladding, new alloys, new bumpers and more ground clearance as well. Inside the cabin, the Freestyle would likely get a touch-screen unit along with some bits which differentiate it from the vanilla Figo hatch. Power would likely be derived from the 1.2 litre three-pot dragon engine with 90 horses on tap, and the trusted 1.5 litre oil burner with over 100 hp.

Expected price: Rs 6 – 9 lakh
Expected launch date: Early-Mid 2018

Hyundai Elite i20 Facelift

The Hyundai Elite facelift will feature reworked fascia including a tweaked shape for the headlights and new bumpers front and rear. Expect the proportions to be the same as before, although the features inside the cabin are expected to get a boost. Among the most prominent new features would be a new touch-screen infotainment system. The car’s cabin will also get new trims and upholstery to freshen things up a bit. It is highly unlikely that Hyundai India will make any changes to the engine specifications available with the outgoing Elite i20. The New Hyundai Elite i20 Facelift will continue to be powered by a 1.2 / 1.4-litre petrol motors and a 1.4-litre diesel engine. Transmission duties will be taken care of by a five speed manual unit. There will be an all new CVT transmission for the 1.2 petrol version, along with four-speed and six speed automatic units for 1.4 petrol and diesel engines respectively. The new car will be showcased in all its glory at Auto Expo 2018, and may well get launched at the Auto Show.

Expected Price: Rs 5.5 – 9.5 lakh
Expected Launch Date: February 2018

Hyundai Creta Facelift

The Creta, which has been on sale in India since 2015 is in the middle of its product life cycle and will soon get a facelift. The refreshed Creta, like its Chinese version, will likely get a larger hexagonal grille with a thick chrome surround. The car will get a new front bumper too with pronounced creases and separate housings for the fog lamps along with a new alloy wheel design. At the rear, the new Creta will get a slightly tweaked bumper, rectangular exhaust tips, and a new design for the tail lamps.

The Hyundai Creta facelift is expected to be launched with its current set of engines which include 1.4 / 1.6 diesel and a 1.6 litre petrol unit. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual on all engines and a 6-speed automatic only on the 1.6 petrol and diesel versions. Inside the cabin, the features would also remain largely the same with only minor changes made to the dash, instruments and upholstery.

Expected Price: Rs 9.5 – 14.5 lakh
Expected Launch Date: Early-Mid 2018

Honda Jazz facelift

The Honda Jazz is slated for a mid-life facelift for India, and 2018 is the year when the new version gets launched. Cosmetic changes on the car include a re-sculpted front bumper with new intakes and fog lamps. The headlamps will be duly updated with LED illumination and DRLs. The sides remain largely unchanged, apart from new side skirts and newly designed alloy wheels. The tail lamps are also expected to get LED illumination. The interiors of the 2017 Honda Jazz facelift will be mildly revised too, with new trim inserts and a new touch-screen infotainment system from the new Civic. In terms of engines, internationally, the Honda Jazz may benefit from company’s new 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. This engine produces 127 hp and 200 Nm of torque. India-spec models are expected to continue with the existing 1.5-litre diesel and 1.2-litre petrol engines.

Expected Price: Rs 6.2-9.5 lakh
Expected Launch Date: Mid 2018

Tata Tiago Sport

The Tata Tiago Sport is expected to be powered by the 110 PS, turbocharged, 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine which also powered the Nexon. What could also be carried over from the compact SUV is the 6-speed manual gearbox, however, a 5-speed box is also said to be under consideration. Expect fatter rubber wrapped on sporty wheels, extensions to the bodywork and a few other visual details to underline the hatchback’s go-faster intent visually. On the inside, expect cosmetic bits like sporty pedals, inputs in the upholstery and on the centre console to highlight the Tiago Sport’s hot hatch credentials.

Expected Price: Rs 7 lakh
Expected launch Date: Early 2018

New Honda Civic

The tenth gen Civic has been launched internationally, and there’s a very good chance that the label will make a comeback in India in 2018. The new car is an all new design and features a completely overhauled exterior and interior. Petrol power is provided by the 1.8-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with 141 hp of power and 174 Nm of torque. Honda claims that the Civic 1.8L is capable of delivering a fuel economy of 15.9 km/l. There’s also a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with 174 hp, paired with a CVT. Unlike last time, there would be a diesel version too in the form of a 1.6-litre unit from Honda’s ‘Earth Dreams’ line-up, with 160hp of power and 350Nm of torque.

Expected Price: Rs 15 Lakh +
Expected Launch Date: Early-Mid 2018

Datsun Go-Cross

With the Go-Cross Datsun would bet on the red-hot crossover segment in India. Based on the company’s CMF-A platform the Go Cross is expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine as seen on the Terrano and the Duster. The Datsun Go Cross is also expected to come with a more premium interior as compared to its Go and Redi-Go siblings. While unconfirmed, the India bound version will likely get a touch-screen infotainment system and space for seven occupants, though the third row would be usable only by kids. The Go-Cross will be a price warrior and will provide a rugged SUV-ish appearance and most amount of space for the price.

Expected Price: Rs 6 – 10lakh
Expected Launch Date: Early-Mid 2018

New Renault Duster

The all-new Renault Duster was showcased first at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Duster has been revised and updated seven years after the model was first released. The brawny looking compact SUV has received new styling, new equipment and a completely updated interior. The space inside the car is as generous as ever with more premium feel. Expect the new Duster to be powered by the same 1.5 litre petrol, and a 1.5 diesel engine in two states of tune, and be offered with 5 speed manual and AMT auto transmission.

Expected Price: Rs 9-14 lakh
Expected Launch Date: Late 2018

New Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

The Ertiga is up for a massive overhaul, and in its newest avatar will grow in size, get a whole load of new equipment inside and feel a lot more premium. The car has been spied testing many times under heavy camouflage and will make its first public appearance in India at the 2018 Auto Expo. The interiors of the MPV too will get a host of new features such as wooden treatment on the dashboard and a 9 inch Audio Video Navigation system. Expect the new Ertiga to get new projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, overhauled grille, new bumpers, alloys and few other changes. The new car will be lighter than the current version too. While petrol power will continue to be provided by the 1.4-litre petrol engine, the 1.3 litre Fiat sources diesel may get replaced by a 1.5-litre in-house unit. Transmission options will include the 5-speed manual along with an AMT for both engine versions.

Expected Price: Rs 7 – 11 lakh
Expected launch Date: Early-Mid 2018

Mahindra XUV500 Facelift

The XUV500 facelift will be a pretty comprehensive upgrade over the current version. On the outside, the new XUV500 will get a new twin barrel headlamp along with slightly tweaked tail-lamps. The bumpers up front and at the rear, and alloy wheels will get restyled as well. There will be a new, bolder, and more premium grille as well. The 2018 XUV500 Facelift is expected to get an updated 2.2 liter mHawk turbocharged diesel engine with increased power and torque, and resultantly better performance. The new output figures for the engine are expected to be rated at 170 hp and 400 Nm, which would be a significant increase from the current 140 hp and 330 Nm figures.

Expected Price: Rs 13 – 19 Lakh
Expected Launch Date: Early-Mid 2018

New Maruti Suzuki WagonR

The all-new Suzuki WagonR has been unveiled in Japan. In its third generation, the new car is bigger, and quirkier than the version it replaces. It now packs in more spaces, and look boxier, and might we say, a bit more MUV / Van-like than a car now. The idea is to make the cabin roomier and enhance the user-friendliness. The front bumoers, grille, tail-lamps and a lot of other styling elements look rather bold, or awkward, depending on how you look at it. Sure, the new WagonR will pack in more space, but we’re sure Maruti will tone down its quirkiness for the Indian market. The car will continue to be powered by the 1.0 litre petrol engine and be offered with 5 speed manual and AMT transmissions.

Expected Price: Rs 4.2-5.5 lakh
Expected Launch Date: Late 2018

New BMW X3

The all-new BMW X3 is a highly anticipated car in the middleweight premium SUV segment. The new X3 is a properly modern machine and has gained critical acclaim worldwide for its virtues. Upon its launch in India, the new X3 will take on the recently launched Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC, Discovery Sport and the Volvo XC60. The X3 will draw its power from a 2.0 litre diesel with 190 hp and a 2.0 litre turbo-petrol engine with 184hp. A 3.0 diesel could also be on offer, though the chances of that happening are bleak.

Expected price: Rs 55-60 lakh
Expected launch date: February 2018

S-Class Facelift

Mercedes-Benz has already showcased its new S-class facelift which features the German brand’s new six-cylinder diesel engine, and meets the upcoming Bharat Stage-VI emission norms. The new 3.0-litre motor will produce 286hp of power and 600Nm of peak torque. The S-class facelift gets a new set of head and tail-lamps along with new bumpers and a few other minor tweaks. Changes would be made inside as well, with a new 12.3-inch screen, and six fragrances which match your mood. The car will also get remote parking like 7-series, where it’ll manoeuvre in and out of a parking space by itself if it’s too tight for you to get in.

Expected price: Rs 1.2 – 1.6 crore
Expected Launch Date: Mid-2018