Six months into 2018, both high-end and mass market carmakers have been on a bit of a launching spree in India. Toyota brought out a facelift for its Land Cruiser Prado, while Ford introduced a new top-spec trim on the EcoSport compact SUV, brought back the 125hp, 1.0-litre Ecoboost and launched the new Freestyle cross-hatch. Besides the EcoSport, compact SUVs from Maruti and Tata have also been updated with an AMT transmission. The 2018 Auto Expo saw Maruti and Hyundai launch the third-gen Swift and a facelift for the i20, respectively. Later in the year, the Korean brand also brought out a CVT automatic for the petrol i20 and launched the facelift for its Creta. Premium manufacturers BMW and Mercedes introduced a slew of new models at the 2018 Auto Expo; the former brought out the 6-series GT and the X6 35i, along with the new M3, M4 and M5, while the German carmaker launched the Maybach-badged S 560 and S 650.
Going forward, this year is expected to see quite a large number of new introductions to the Indian market. Here’s what you can look forward to in the coming months:
In case you'd like to know which cars have already launched this year, check out our new cars and SUVs launched in 2018.
Ford Figo, Aspire facelift
As part of its mid-cycle refresh, Ford will bring its updated Figo hatchback and Aspire compact sedan with some cosmetic changes – both outside and inside. Both models will share the new 96hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine from Ford’s new Dragon series of petrol motors with the recently launched Freestyle cross-hatch. The new engine will replace the current 1.2-litre, four-cylinder Sigma petrol mill. The inside kit and design will be shared with the Freestyle, including a new 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford Sync 3 and six airbags for the top-spec trims. While the Aspire is expected to launch in July, the hatchback will arrive later this year.
Also read:
Four new Fords to launch in the coming months
2018 Ford Figo facelift (Ka+) image gallery
Ford not keen on launching AMTs in India
Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Bookings have opened for the new top-spec trim of Jeep’s Mahindra XUV500 rival – the Trail Rated Compass Trailhawk. Already manufactured at FCA’s plant in Ranjangaon, the model is currently exported to Australia and Japan. The off-road-spec SUV gets 4WD technology from Jeep’s selection. Although the big news is that a diesel-automatic variant will be on offer for the first time. The 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel motor will be mated to a nine-speed automatic, rather than the six-speed manual offered on the current top-spec trim, the Limited (O) 4x4.
Also see:
2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk video review
2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk review, test drive
Jeep Compass Trailhawk image gallery
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz facelift (June-July 2018)
The Japanese brand is expected to bring the facelift for its mid-size sedan around June-July this year. Besides the cosmetic changes on the inside and out, the new model is expected to sport a new K15B petrol motor. Compared to the current 1.4-litre engine, the new 1.5-litre motor produces 12hp and 8.4Nm more, at 104hp and 138.4Nm of peak torque. This should help the Ciaz compete on a more even footing against the likes of the more powerful Toyota Yaris, Honda City and Hyundai Verna.
Also see:
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz facelift to get new 1.5-litre petrol
New Maruti Ertiga (August 2018)
Spied recently, the new Ertiga is longer and slightly wider than the outgoing model. Its longer rear overhang should mean more space in the third row. Up front, this second-generation model also gets a more upright stance, with a high-set nose and front bumper. Wheels are expected to go up to a size of 16 inches. Maruti is likely to offer the new 104hp, 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre diesel at launch, with a 1.5-litre diesel engine – currently under development in-house – replacing Fiat’s 1.3-litre diesel engine at a later date.
Also see:
2018 Suzuki Ertiga vs rivals: Specifications comparison
New Suzuki Ertiga: 5 things to know
Bentley Continental GT
The third-gen sporty grand tourer from Bentley uses the Porsche-developed MSB (modular standard drivetrain) platform that’s also used in the new Panamera. The Bentley Dynamic Ride – a 48V electric active roll-control system from the Bentayga – also features on the new Continental GT. This, along with weight savings of about 85kg, makes the car even more agile than before. Propulsion is courtesy of a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 petrol engine that’s capable of doing 0-100kph in 3.7sec and reaching a top speed of 333kph. The insides are typically opulent.
New Honda CR-V
Honda had brought the new CR-V to Auto Expo 2018; its USP – the seven-seat configuration. This third-gen model will replace the current one on sale and, unlike its predecessor, it is expected with a new 120hp, 1.6-litre diesel engine option. A new nine-speed automatic may also be on the cards for this Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Compass rival.
Also see:
2018 Honda CR-V review, test drive
2018 Honda CR-V diesel video review
India-bound Honda CR-V likely to get 120hp diesel engine
Mahindra MPV (U321)
After being spotted testing frequently all over the country, Mahindra’s all-new three-row MPV will finally go on sale in the first few months of 2018. The company’s first monocoque-bodied MPV will be powered by a new 130hp, 1.6-litre mHawk diesel engine. We expect pricing in the Rs 10-15 lakh range – such that it slots in between the Maruti Ertiga on one side and the Innova Crysta on the other.
Also see:
Mahindra S201 SUV: What we know so far
New Mahindra Rexton (XUV700)
The all-new Rexton from Mahindra is built on a new body-on-frame chassis, making it better-looking and lighter than the vehicle it will replace. It now features projector headlamps with LED DRLs, a slim hexagonal grille, LED fog and cornering lamps and 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior will get a large 9.2-inch high-definition touchscreen, soft-touch plastics and quilted Nappa leather upholstery. The seven-seat SUV will be powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine mated to an automatic gearbox with all-wheel drive. While the new SUV is sure to be badged as a Mahindra rather than a SsangYong, whether it is likely to be called something other than the Rexton will be known once it launches in India.
Also see: 2017 SsangYong Rexton image gallery
Land Rover's Range Rover, Range Rover Sport facelifts
A mid-cycle refresh, the design-based changes on the Range Rover include a refreshed grille with a gloss-black surround, a new front bumper and four options of headlamps, including a pixel-laser option. The Range Rover Sport line-up gets subtle changes to the grille and new LED headlamps. Interiors are refreshed as well and more in line with the Velar. The engine line-up has been uprated for better performance and more fuel economy.
Also see:
2018 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport bookings begin
2018 Range Rover Sport SVR facelift review, test drive
2018 Range Rover PHEV video review
2018 Range Rover Sport SVR video review
BMW X2
The X2 will be BMW’s sixth SUV. It shares the UKL platform with the X1 and is designed to be sportier than the smaller crossover, standing 49mm shorter and 69mm lower. For India, expect the X1’s 190hp, 2.0-litre petrol that drives the front wheels, the 190hp, 2.0-litre diesel that sends power to all four-wheels, and the current range-topping 231hp, 2.0-litre diesel motor with four-wheel-drive to be on offer. The X2 will lock horns with the likes of the Range Rover Evoque.
Also see:
India-bound BMW X2 unveiled
2018 BMW X2 image gallery
New Hyundai Santro
Spied testing in India a number of times, the new tall-boy hatchback from Hyundai is likely to re-use the Santro nameplate. Codenamed AH2, the new hatchback will replace the now-aging Eon and slot below the Grand i10 in Hyundai’s India line-up. While it is yet unconfirmed, we expect the new model to be powered by the same 69hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine found on the Eon 1.0.
Also see:
Hyundai may bring back Santro name with all-new budget hatchback
Next-gen Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Despite the recent facelift, the current Pajero has begun showing its age against its modern rivals. An all-new model, which will feature a more sophisticated and bolder design, is expected to launch sometime later this year. This rugged seven-seater is larger than its predecessor and has more interior space. Cabin design has been thoroughly modernised and equipment is expected to be on par for this price. Its power will come from a 181hp, 2.4-litre diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. There will be an all-new switchable four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case for more hardcore off-road requirements.
Nissan Kicks
The Kicks is Nissan’s Creta-rivalling SUV and, mechanically, shares quite a lot with the Terrano (and hence, the Renault Duster and Captur). Though the Kicks looks more stylish than the Terrano, it is expected to be powered by the same 104hp, 1.5-litre petrol and 110hp, 1.5-litre diesel engines. Top-spec trims are expected to feature a 360-degree camera, side curtain airbags, and traction control.
Also see:
India-bound Nissan Kicks: 5 things to know
Exclusive! Nissan confirms launch of Kicks SUV in 2018
Tata Tiago, Tigor EVs
The all-electric versions of the Tiago hatchback and Tigor compact sedan were on display at the 2018 Auto Expo. While there isn’t much to differentiate them from their internal combustion counterparts, besides the badging, the EVs are powered by a three-phase AC induction motor with a peak output of 30kW at 4,500rpm (about 40hp). While there was no mention of charging times, range or fast charging features. Expect a price tag north of Rs 10 lakh.
from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2u2Psbl
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