The Indian auto market witnessed a flurry of car launch activities in the 2015 calendar year. Be it the new version of the world’s most affordable car or a 300 kmph+ supercar, the nation saw it all this year. Here are the top car launches in 2015 in chronological order.
Tata Bolt
The hatchback went on sale almost a year after it was showcased and was also one of the first car launches in 2015. Positioned as the Vista replacement in the private car market, the Bolt started at INR 4.44 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi). It’s offered with a 90 PS 1.2-litre Revotron turbo petrol and 75 PS 1.3-litre Quadrajet diesel engine. [Also read: Tata Bolt long term report]
Mercedes CLA
Mercedes started off its massive 15 product onslaught by launching its most affordable sedan in the country at INR 31.05 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi) on the same day as the Bolt (January 22). The CBU import is powered by a 180 PS 2.0-litre petrol motor and a 134 PS 2.2-litre diesel engine, both mated to a 7G-DCT automatic transmission. The CLA sedan is currently being assembled locally and now starts at INR 30.70 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
New Volvo XC90
The new Volvo XC90 was announced for India on May 12 with deliveries commencing at a later date. Priced from INR 64.9 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi), the SUV not only positioned Volvo India at an advantageous position in the luxury SUV segment but also debuted the brand’s new platform and design. Power comes from a 225 PS 2.0-litre diesel engine.
Tata Nano GenX AMT
The ailing city car Nano received more than just a facelift this year. Launched on May 19 at INR 1.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi), the Nano GenX received quite a lot of under-the-skin enhancements in addition to cosmetic upgrades. While the engine remained the same, it received an AMT. Power steering was made standard across the range.
Maruti Celerio diesel
The eagerly awaited Maruti Celerio diesel went on sale at INR 4.65 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). Maruti’s first homegrown diesel engine displaced a mere 793 cc (2-cylinders) but made the hatchback the most fuel efficient car in India at 27.62 kmpl. Power and torque figures stand at 47 PS and 125 Nm respectively.
New Honda Jazz
After a long sabbatical, the Jazz re-entered India in its latest avatar. This time, it came with an option of a diesel engine and heavy localization. The premium hatch started at INR 5.31 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi). A 100 PS 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel and a 90 PS 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol motor constitute the engine lineup.
Hyundai Creta
Arguably the hottest launch of 2015 came from the South Korean automaker. The Hyundai Creta which was launched on July 21 is currently marching towards 1 lakh bookings both in domestic and international markets (over 75,000 orders in India). The compact crossover started at INR 8.59 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi). It’s offered with a choice of one petrol and two diesel engines.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The all-new Discovery Sport replaced the aging Freelander 2 in India on September 2. With a starting price of INR 46.1 lakhs (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the CKD assembled Discovery Sport is the most affordable Land Rover in India. Power comes from a 2.2-litre diesel engine which is available in two states of tune – 150 PS and 190 PS.
Mahindra TUV300
The Indian UV specialists second sub-4 metre ladder frame SUV landed on September 10 at a starting price of INR 6.90 lakhs (ex-showroom). The TUV300 comes powered by a heavily improved 84 bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel engine, now branded as mHawk 80. The AMT variants have been enjoying high demand since the launch.
Ford Figo and Figo Aspire
While the Figo Aspire compact sedan went on sale in India on August 12 at a starting price of INR 4.90 lakhs, the new gen Figo hatchback touched down on September 23 at a staring price of INR 4.3 lakhs (both prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi). Both employ 88 PS 1.2-litre petrol, 112 PS 1.5-litre petrol (with 6-speed AT) and 100 PS 1.5-litre diesel motors.
Renault Kwid
September 24 marked the entry of what can be termed as a disruptive small car. The Renault Kwid surprised the competition at a mouth watering starting price of INR 2.57 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The SUV-ish design made it an instant hit. Powered by a 54 PS 800 cc 3-cylinder petrol engine, the Kwid is now having over 75,000 entries in its order book.
DC Avanti
The DC Avanti makes it to this list for putting India in the sportscar manufacturing map. Designed by Dilip Chhabria, the desi sportscar derives its propulsive force from a 2.0-litre Renault Sport engine which is mated to a 6-speed MT to pump out 250 PS. First few customers benefited from the introductory price of INR 25 lakhs (ex-showroom). The car is now priced at INR 35.93 lakhs (ex-showroom, Pune).
Maruti Baleno
Suzuki’s new gen premium hatchback made its global sales debut in India on October 26. Produced exclusively in India, the car is offered with same engine options as the smaller Swift in India. With a starting price of INR 4.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi), the Baleno rivals the Hyundai Elite i20, VW Polo and Honda Jazz.
New Audi Q7
Audi India ended the year in style by launching the much improved new gen Q7 flagship SUV on December 11. The car starts at INR 72 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Based on the new MLB platform, the new Q7 is lighter than its predecessor by 300 kg! A 268 PS 3.0-litre TDI diesel engine propels the 7-seat luxury SUV.
