The year has started off on a whirring note with a plethora of car and bike launches creating ripples in the market. At the lower end of the car spectrum, market leader Maruti Suzuki has launched its unconventional Ignis, leaving its rivals dumbfounded. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz will be taking the game a notch higher in the luxury segment with its all-new E-Class long wheelbase limousine in the coming days.
Coming to two-wheelers, Bajaj Auto has shaken up the bike industry with its incredibly well-priced Dominar 400 motorcycle, while also introducing the 2017 range of Pulsars along with the new V12 commuter. The Indian bike maker’s Austrian ally KTM has also brought in the 2017 RC390, RC200, and the new Duke 390.
The action has just begun though, and the tremendous amount of buzz in the first quarter is just a precursor to the blitzkrieg of launches that will ensue. From small cars to budget sedans to SUVs, MUVs, luxury cars and bikes, the year 2017 is all set to take us on an exhilarating automotive ride. Let’s take a look at the fresh new machines which would entice the motoring enthusiast in the coming months.
small cars
New Chevrolet Beat
The Beat will get a thorough makeover to keep it going for a few more years. The car will retain its quirks, like the motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster and the hidden rear door handle. The existing 1.2-litre petrol and 1.0-litre diesel engines may receive minor tweaks for more efficiency and lesser emissions.
Estimated price: Rs 4.3-6.5 lakh
Competitors: Tata Tiago, Hyundai Grand i10, Ford Figo
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS
The popular premium hatchback is set to get a sportier variant this year. It will come with a new 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine good for 100 hp, rear disc brakes, 16-inch wheels and a new body kit. The Baleno RS will be priced at a premium over the standard model.
Estimated price: Rs 7.5-8.5 lakh
Competitors: Fiat Abarth Punto,
Volkswagen Polo GT TSI
New Maruti Suzuki Swift
Armed with all-new, yet evolutionary looks, revamped interiors, new features and Suzuki’s mild hybrid technology, the 2017 Suzuki Swift was unveiled in Japan last year. It is expected to replace one of India’s favourite hatchbacks.
Estimated price: Rs 4.6-7.5 lakh
Competitors: 2017 Volkswagen Polo, 2017 Hyundai Elite i20
sedans
New Honda Civic
The tenth generation Civic will be launched this year, with an appearance that’s as striking as its predecessor, new interior and more equipment like a 7-inch touch-screen display equipped infotainment system. It gets 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that makes 174 hp, along with torque vectoring technology.
Estimated price: Rs 12-17.5 lakh
Competitors: Hyundai Elantra,
Toyota Corolla Altis, Chevrolet Cruze
New Hyundai Verna
The all-new Verna will come with new exterior design dictated by the company’s current Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 language, a revamped interior with an 8-inch touchscreen-equipped infotainment system, and slightly tweaked engines.
Estimated price: Rs 8-14 lakh
Competitors: Honda City, Skoda Rapid,
Volkswagen Vento
Toyota Corolla Altis face-lift
The face-lift to the Toyota Corolla Altis face-lift adds a new fascia and additional safety features. Inside, the new centre console hosts a new infotainment system with navigation and a 7-inch touch screen, while the updated instrument cluster now features a 4.2 inch MID display between its dials. The 1.8 litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engines will continue, albeit with subtle changes.
Estimated price: Rs 12-19 lakh
Competitors: Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Elantra,
Toyota Corolla Altis, Chevrolet Cruze
COMPACT SEDANS
New Maruti
Suzuki Swift Dzire
Even though the new Dzire will be based on the new Swift, the next-gen Swift Dzire will have noticeably different styling than the hatchback. The India-specific model will also come with a subtly different interior and Suzuki’s mild hybrid system.
Estimated price: Rs 5.7-8.5 lakh
Tata Tigor
It will be the Tiago’s compact sedan cousin. Dubbed as the ‘Styleback’, the Tigor’s design will feature a ‘fastback shape’. It’ll get the hatchback’s 1.1-litre 3-cylinder diesel engine and 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine; both strapped to a 5-speed manual transmission. There’s talk of an AMT joining
the range at a later stage.
Estimated Price: Rs 5.5-8.7 lakh
Competitors: New Maruti Swift Dzire, Hyundai Xcent, Volkswagen
Ameo, Honda Amaze
SUVs
Tata Nexon
The compact SUV is arguably one of the boldest designs to have come out of Tata Motors’ design studios. Its appearance will include contemporary cues such as a floating roof with blade-like C-pillars and contrast-coloured trim pieces. Inside, there’ll be fresh amenities like a floating touchscreen. The Nexon will be powered by a turbocharged, 1.5-litre diesel engine, good for 110 PS and 260 Nm of torque.
Estimated price: Rs 6.5-9 lakh
Competitors: Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Mahindra TUV300, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra NuvoSport
Tata Nexon
The compact SUV is arguably one of the boldest designs to have come out of Tata Motors’ design studios. Its appearance will include contemporary cues such as a floating roof with blade-like C-pillars and contrast-coloured trim pieces. Inside, there’ll be fresh amenities like a floating touchscreen. The Nexon will be powered by a turbocharged, 1.5-litre diesel engine, good for 110 PS and 260 Nm of torque.
Estimated price: Rs 6.5-9 lakh
Competitors: Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Mahindra TUV300, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra NuvoSport
Skoda Kodiaq
The stylish Skoda Kodiaq is the first full-sized SUV from the Czech manufacturer and is based on Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform. The interiors promise room for seven occupants, while boasting the latest infotainment systems. Two TDI and three TSI engines make up the engine range at the launch of the Skoda Kodiaq.
Estimated price: Rs 25-30 lakh
Renault Kaptur
Based on the Duster platform, the Kaptur will be completely different from the Captur that is sold in Europe. Some serious all-terrain capabilities will make the Kaptur a fun machine. It will be locally manufactured in India.
Estimated price: Rs 8-13 lakh
Competitors: Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV 500
MOTORCYCLES
BMW Motorrad
It recently tied up with TVS Motor Company and will enter India with its latest sub-500cc motorcycle, the G310R roadster. It will also introduce an entry-level GS series adventure motorcycle, which will be based on the 310cc roadster.
Estimated price: `2-2.3 lakh (TVS BMW G310 R)
Expected launch: Mid-2017 (new G310R);
end-2017 (GS-tagged variant)
KTM Duke 390
The Indo-Austrian partnership unveiled the latest generation of the entry-level Duke Series in India last week. The new motorcycles continue to use the same engine as the outgoing model without any changes to the performance but tuned to be BSIV compliant. The new motorcycles feature upgraded hardware, new ride-by-wire throttle and a whole
new design.
Estimated price: `2-2.35 lakh
TVS Akula
The Akula was first showcased in concept form at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi. The fully faired motorcycle will be based on the new BMW G310R.
Estimated price: `1.5-2 lakh
Expected launch: Mid-2017
Triumph
The new Street Triple receives an all-new engine with higher displacement, an updated instrument cluster, and an LED daytime running light. Its three variants—S, R and RS—will feature three states of power output. Features include a quickshifter, a slipper clutch, fully digital five-inch colour TFT display, ride-by-wire, switchable traction control and ABS. The range will be joined by the Bonneville Bobber that will feature a 1200cc engine.
Estimated price : `9-12 lakh (Street Triple)
Expected launch: July
Ducati
The Multistrada 950 is designed to go against the middleweight tourers such as the Triumph Tiger 800 XR and the likes. Expected to join the Multistrada 950 is the new Supersport. Designed to fill the gap between the Ducati Monster and the 959 Panigale, the Supersport can be a perfect tool from a practicality point of view.
Estimated price: `15-17 lakh (Multistrada 950)
Expected launch: Year-end
Yamaha YZF-R15
While retaining the much-praised Deltabox frame of YZF-R1, the new 2017 YZF-R15 V3.0 also gets a sharper design, new LED headlight, an all-new engine and premium hardware. The new engine with a slight bump-up in displacement boasts improved performance than the current model.
Estimated price: `1.3-1.5 lakh
Expected launch: Second half, 2017
Honda Africa Twin
Honda plans to take the game several levels higher in the litre-class adventure motorcycle segment with the Africa Twin. The bike, appreciated for its off-road prowess, was also seen at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi. It was scheduled to arrive in 2016, but the earthquakes in Japan forced the two-wheeler maker to postpone the launch to 2017. Expect a few other launches in the commuter segment as well.
Estimated price:`12-15 lakh. Expected launch: Year-end
scooters
Hero ZIR 150
The power scooter was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo and is still not out of the Hero MotoCorp labs. The ZIR 150 will be powered by a 157.1cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder engine that makes 14 hp at 8500 rpm and peak torque of 12.7 Nm 7000 rpm.
Estimated price: Rs 75,000-80,000
Expected launch: Year-end
Ather S340
The S340 suffix refers to S for Scooter, 3 for 3KW Electric Motor and 40 for the 40Amp-hour battery capacity. It is said to have a range of 60 km at a top speed of 72 kmph. 0-100 kmph can be achieved in 12.11 seconds and the maximum torque stands at 14 Nm. Hero MotoCorp has invested in the company to manufacture the fully-electric scooter.
Estimated Price: Rs 90,000-1 lakh
Expected launch: June-July
TVS Entorq
Slotted as a premium touring scooter, the Entorq is a concept with a 210cc motor; however a downsized version of this power unit is expected to be fitted in the production model. It is a bit too soon to say anything about this concept, but there is a rumour floating around that hints that the Entorq will be out this year.
Estimated price: Rs 75,000-85,000
Expected launch: Late 2017
or early 2018
MUVs
New Mahindra MPV
Replacing the aging Xylo will be Mahindra’s all-new MPV, which has been spotted testing on various occasions. It goes by the codename U321, and is under development at Mahindra’s North America Technical Center in Troy.
Estimated price: Rs 10-13 lakh
Competitors: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Innova Crysta
Honda Mobilio facelift
Following the Indonesia launch, the new Honda Mobilio will be rolled out in the Indian market soon with a new front fascia comprising redesigned front bumper, new headlights and grille. The interior is updated and the rear profile also gets a couple of new touches. The RS variant will join a bit later.
Estimated Price: Rs 8-12 lakh
Competitors: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Renault Lodgy
LUXURY cars
Land Rover Discovery
The upgraded fifth generation Discovery is built around the automaker’s light full-size SUV architecture. It will be available with 4- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, which will be mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Estimated price: Rs 1-1.5 crore
Competitors: Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLS
Lexus RX450h
It gets a V6 petrol engine combined with the Lexus Hybrid Drive to deliver 308 hp of combined power. Notable features include Mark Levinson Audio with Rear-Seat Entertainment System, Lexus Enform infotainment system and cutting-edge driver assistance tech.
Estimated price: Rs 45-55 lakh
Competitors: Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Porsche Cayenne
Tesla Model X
The Model X, with a range of 380-485km per charge, will be the next Tesla for India after the Model 3. One of the unique features of the Model X is its Falcon Wing doors and panoramic glass windshield.
Estimated price: Rs 1.1–1.7 crore
Competitors: Porsche Macan, Jaguar F-Pace
Audi Q2
Based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, the Audi Q2 is available with as many as six engine options, ranging from a 114-hp strong, 1.0-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol unit to a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel unit with 190 hp on tap.
Estimated price: Rs 18-20 lakh
Competitors: Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1, Volvo V40
New BMW 5 Series
The new 5 Series is bigger, yet 100 kg lighter than the model it replaces. The styling is evolutionary while the interiors are as driver-focused as ever, with a new 10.25-inch iDrive infotainment system featuring gesture and voice controls. The new 5 Series will be available
in India with one petrol engine and one diesel engine, with more engine options following later.
Estimated price: `Rs 50-60 lakh
Competitors: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6
New Porsche Panamera
The Panamera features new styling that rectifies the slightly awkward design of its predecessor. The interiors are classier, and feature two 7-inch displays as the instrument cluster, along with a 12.3-inch central screen. Engines include a 422 hp diesel, making the Panamera 4S Diesel the world’s fastest production diesel car.
Estimated price: Rs 1.5-2.5 crore
Competitors: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Maserati Ghibli
Tesla Model 3
Tesla will debut in India with the affordable Model 3, the bookings for which started from April 2016. The Model 3 can seat five adults and does 0-100kmph in less than six seconds with a range of 346km per charge. It gets features like Autopilot Hardware and Supercharging.
Estimated price: Rs 40-50 lakh
Competitors: None
Exotic Cars
Aston Martin DB11
The DB11 marks Aston Martin’s entry into the new age, with a little help from Mercedes-Benz. Power for the new Aston Martin DB11 will come from a newly-developed 5.2-litre, twin-turbocharged V12 engine, which is rated at over 600 hp.
Estimated price: Rs 4.2 crore
Expected launch: Late 2017
Competitors: Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes-AMG SL63 Coupe
Lamborghini Aventador S
The new Aventador S with tweaked styling, added downforce, four-wheel steering, a 740hp 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, and a new EGO driving mode will soon be making it to India.
The Aventador S completes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 2.9 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 350 kmph.
Estimated price: Rs 5.5 crore
Launch: March 3
Competitors: Ferrari FF,
BMW i8, Audi R8