The recently concluded 2016 Auto Expo served as a harbinger to the good things that are coming our way in the next several months. The flurry of post-expo launch activities is about to pickup pace in the coming weeks and here is a list of car launches in India that are in queue till the end of March 2016.
Maruti Vitara Brezza
The Vitara Brezza is arguably the hottest launch of this season and the fact that it is the very first product to be fully engineered in India by Maruti adds to the anticipation. The sub-4 m compact crossover will be available only with a diesel engine at the beginning but a petrol variant is on the anvil. Launch is expected in the third week of March.
The Brezza is the first Indian car to receive certificate of homologation from iCat and is also the first Maruti to be homologated for frontal offset and side impact collision compliance. Competition will come from the Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV300.
Mahindra Quanto facelift
The Quanto facelift which is speculated to be rebranded as Canto features a completely revamped front fascia with bolder elements. The grille, headlamps and bumper are new. Changes to rest of the exterior and interior are not as extensive as the front end. We are expecting to see the TUV300’s mHawk 80 diesel engine replacing the older 1.5-litre mCR100 unit. An AMT is also on the cards.
The updated Quanto will co-exist with the TUV300 in the sub-4 SUV space. The idea is to keep customers with varying tastes covered. It should go on sale before March.
Renault Duster facelift
The spruced up version of the Duster will finally launch in India this March. The crossover SUV which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016 is claimed to feature 32 changes. The grille, headlamps, taillights and bumpers are tweaked in addition to new exterior color options. The interior gets revised centre console, new color themes and minor improvements. Finally, the Duster gets much needed automatic climate control system.
The familiar 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine and 1.6-litre petrol engine continue to power the SUV. The most significant update comes in the form of the Easy-R AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). The Hyundai Creta rival would be launched roughly in the same time frame as the Vitara Brezza.
Tata Civet / Adore / Tiago
Why three names? Well because Tata Motors is going to change the name Zica to either of the three – Civet, Adore or Tiago. The final name will be decided by the number of votes they get. The reason for changing name is that it is similar to the name of deadly virus – ZIKA.
However, talking about the car, Civet / Tiago / Adore small car which we drove late last year will hit the showrooms with a new name. The car will be launched in the coming weeks with new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol and diesel engine. It will lock horns with the Maruti Celerio, Chevrolet Beat, etc.
New Skoda Superb
Though the D-Segment is increasingly tilting towards SUVs, the Superb has a solid reputation in the Indian market for its premium feel and excellent driving dynamics. The latest iteration is on its way to India and the company has already started teasing it.
The new Superb adopts a sophisticated and elegant design lines, a new platform (MQB) and familiar powertrain options. Expect the upcoming version to be packed up to the brim with goodies and clever features. Launch is slated for Feb 23.
Mini Convertible
The second iteration of the Mini Convertible is scheduled to go on sale in India on March 16. The top-less variant of the popular retro classic automobile would be available only in Cooper S trim, packing a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol motor which is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Power and torque figures stand at 189 PS and 280 Nm of torque. The car is expected to be imported into India as a CBU.
Toyota Etios Cross Dynamique
The Etios Cross Dynamique is a special edition variant that is aimed at buying some attention for the soft crossover which has been witnessing a mundane sales performance. The instant crossover will offer additional features like rear parking sensor, black finish for the wing mirrors, dual-tone interiors matching the exterior color, illuminated foot wells, branded carpets, tweaked roof rails and of course, a Dynamique badge.
The special edition is expected to be based on the top-end variant. Price tag is likely to see a nominal hike.
Mercedes E Class Edition E
The E Class Edition E marks the supremely talented mid-size luxury saloon’s 20th anniversary in India. Details of the special edition model which is scheduled to be launched on February 24 are not still sketchy but expect it to have a limited production run.
Minor aesthetic enhancements, exclusive features and clear identification of the special edition status would be on offer. The sedan would graduate to its next generation in India sometime later this year.
Honda Amaze Facelift
Honda Cars India will launch the new Amaze facelift on3rd March 2016. It will feature new bumper on the front with new chrome grille. At the rear it gets revised taillamps. Interiors too have been revamped with new dashboard layout, similar to that of Honda City.
