IAB Picks - 5 confirmed car launches in India this July

The festive season is on the horizon and the Indian auto industry is getting ready for a launching spree. However some manufacturers don't want to hold back their new wares until then. So here are the car launches that are coming our way till the month of July.

1. Mercedes A and B Class Edition 1

Scheduled to be launched on June 24, the Mercedes A and B Class Edition 1 bring more equipment to the table. The special edition models are available only in diesel variants and would have a revised suspension (with increased ground clearance) for smoother ride.

New features include glossy black caps for ORVMs, Edition 1 badges on the door sills, panoramic sunroof, powered passenger seat, rear armrest with cup holders and reverse camera. In addition, the B Class Edition 1 will come with a rear seat entertainment package.

2. Honda Mobilio

The Honda Mobilio is arguably the most anticipated car of 2014. The compact MPV which was showcased at the Auto Expo will be launched in late July in both petrol and diesel variants. The Mobilio will be the third diesel model from Honda after the Amaze and the City, all powered by the same 100 PS 1.5-litre engine.

Going by the response for the first two, the Mobilio could be yet another sales success for the Japanese automaker. Its market positioning would be between the Maruti Ertiga and the Toyota Innova.

3. Nissan Sunny facelift

The Nissan Sunny facelift with revised exterior and interior will be attempting to revive sales of the 'caaar' which has dropped to an average of just 435 units per month so far this year. Under the skin, the 1.5-litre petrol motor which is mated either to a 5-speed manual or a CVT continues untouched while the K9K receives an ECU retune to deliver a better fuel economy of 22.71 km/l, up from 21.64 km/l.

The Nissan Sunny facelift will be available in 8 variants - 3 petrol and 5 diesel - all equipped with driver airbag, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, tilt adjustable steering wheel and central locking.

4. VW Polo facelift

The VW Polo facelift is another important vehicle waiting to launch in July. The refreshed version is expected to get the new 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that will be shared with the Vento facelift. The petrol lineup which comprises the 1.2-litre three-cylinder normally aspirated engine and the 1.2-litre TSI turbocharged motor are expected to be retained in the same tuning state.

Visually, the refreshed hatchback will get revised grille, bumper and a new exterior color option. The interior also gets few upgrades such as new steering wheel and a silver insert for the centre console.

5. Porsche Macan

At the higher echelons of the market, the Porsche Macan is all set to enter India late next month as a CBU import. The SUV will be positioned below the Cayenne as a sportier alternative to the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes ML Class.

Based on the Audi Q5's underpinnings, the Macan would be available in a petrol and a diesel engine. The base 3.0-litre V6 diesel motor belts out 258 hp and 580 Nm of torque while the top-end 3.6-litre V6 is capable of 400 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Both the engines will transfer the power to the wheels by means of a 7-speed PDK automatic transmission.