16 Cars launching this festive season - IAB Picks

The following cars are expected in the Indian market in the festive season period, which generally witnesses a higher number of product introductions owing to positive buying sentiments.

1. 2015 Audi Q7:

The second generation Audi Q7 is reported to launch in India in November this year. Initially, the SUV will be imported through the CBU route before assembly commences at Audi India's Aurangabad plant.

2. BMW 3 Series facelift:

The 3 Series facelift (3 Series LCI) with the optional LED headlights and revised taillights is confirmed to launch in India this year, as told to Indian Autos Blog by Mr. Philipp von Sahr, president of BMW India.

3. Fiat Abarth Punto Evo:

Bookings for the Abarth Punto Evo have already started at several sales outlets, with a market launch expected in the coming weeks. The performance hatchback with its 1.4-liter T-Jet turbocharged petrol engine is expected to be priced under INR 10 lakhs, ex-Showroom.

4. 2015 Ford Figo hatchback:

Ford India has already discontinued the current Figo, and several reports state that the next generation Figo is due for a launch in the next 3-5 weeks. Bookings for the hatchback are yet to start however.

5. Chevrolet Trailblazer:

The Trailblazer will launch in India next month, though the SUV was already showcased in the last week of July along with the Spin MPV. At the helm will be a 2.8-liter four-cylinder Duramax diesel engine capable of 200 hp and 500 Nm of torque.

6. Honda Mobilio and Amaze Celebration Editions:

Honda Cars India introduced the Celebration Edition on the Amaze and the Mobilio last week. Body decals, seat covers and floor mats are among some of the feature enhancements on these cars.

7. Hyundai i20 Celebration Edition:

Hyundai too will introduce a celebration edition on the Elite i20, which completes a year in the market. Exclusive to 600 units, the i20 Celebration Edition will be based on the Sportz trim and get mild cosmetic changes.

8. Mahindra TUV300:

The TUV300 is set to launch on September 10 with a new mHawk 80 1.5-liter diesel engine, a ladder-frame chassis and the convenience of an automated manual transmission (AMT). Bookings for the TUV300 are underway.

9. Maruti Swift SP edition:

The Swift SP edition, based on the base variant, gets an Alpine 2-DIN music system with 4 speakers, reverse parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, central locking and keyless entry. According to a report, it is priced at INR 5.15 lakhs for the petrol and INR 6.2 lakhs for the diesel, ex-Showroom, New Delhi.

10. Maruti Ertiga facelift:

The Ertiga facelift, which premiered last month in Indonesia, is expected to launch in India by the end of this year. Though the Ertiga facelift will keep its 1.3-liter diesel and 1.4-liter petrol engines, reports say that it could receive the SHVS technology, and Maruti's SmartPlay entertainment system.

11. Mercedes-Benz AMG GT:

The AMG GT is confirmed to launch in India this year by Mr. Eberhard Kern, CEO and Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz India. With power coming from a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, the AMG GT in its higher 'S' spec can do the 0-100 km/h run in a scant 3.7 seconds.

12. Mercedes GLE (M Class facelift):

The Stuttgart-based luxury car maker will also launch the GLE, what used to be called the M Class, in the Indian market this year. Sporting a fresh front fascia and several changes to the interior, the GLE will continue to be assembled at the Pune plant.

13. Nissan X-Trail:

The X-Trail looks to make a comeback in India during the Diwali period this year, but this time with the convenience of 5+2 seats, a more modern design and the possibility of a CVT paired to a 2.0-liter diesel engine. However, when launched, the X-Trail will be imported through the CBU route.

14. Renault Kwid:

At the time of the Kwid's world premiere in May, company officials including Carlos Ghosn, CEO of the Renault Nissan Alliance, confirmed that the Kwid's market launch will take place in the festive season period this year. With Renault having announced the initial media drives, a launch can be expected in the coming weeks.

15. Tata 'Kite':

The 'Kite' hatchback is expected to launch in India in the festive season period this year. Based on the Indica's platform, the Kite will introduce a new three-cylinder 1.2-liter petrol engine and a three-cylinder 1.05-liter diesel engine for Tata Motors.

16. Toyota Hiace:

TKM (Toyota Kirloskar Motor) confirmed that the Hiace will launch in the early part of the second half of this calendar year, with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine. The Hiace is expected to enter the country through the CBU route, and will mainly target fleet operators, shuttle operators, hotel transits etc.