A symbol of success, sedan segment in India has always had a fair market share in the country. However, with the recent fascination for SUVs, sales of sedans have faced some slump but the year 2014 indeed proved to be lucky for the segment. The saloon market regained grounds and with a number of new launches in each and every sector, be it compact, mid-sized, D- segment or premium cars, all were well received in 2014. Now, when the automobile industry is picking the tempo, many carmakers are lining up new models to be launched in the New Year. Let’s take a look at the upcoming sedans slated for launch in 2015.
Ford Figo Sedan or Figo + - While almost all the automakers including Tata, Hyundai, Honda and Maruti have already been enjoying the victory of sub-four-meter sedans; Ford is going to join the club with the Figo+ sedan launch in the country. Earlier displayed at Auto Expo 2014 in Delhi as Figo concept car, the all new sedan is likely to make its way to India early this year. With the well balanced shape and attractive exteriors, Figo sedan is sure to be a hit. The compact sedan from Figo’s stable will get under its hood a 1.5L TDCI engine, producing 89bhp and 205Nm of torque, though it will also be powered by a new 1.0L naturally aspirated petrol engine. The petrol engine is capable of churning out maximum power of 85bhp and a peak torque of 105Nm. Taking its design cues from company's Kinetic 2.0 design philosophy, Figo sedan sports a chrome slated grille that looks spectacular. The sedan is likely to come with Ford's SYNC connectivity co-developed with Microsoft that will allow your smart-phone to connect with the car’s audio unit. All set to fight against the likes of Maruti Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent and Tata Zest, Figo+ is expected to carry the price tag of Rs. 4.5 – 7 Lacs.
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire Facelift: - Get ready for some excitement as the renowned sedan from Maruti’s stable is coming with updated features in early 2015. Recently, Maruti offered Swift facelift to the car enthusiasts and now its time for the sedan sibling to undergo similar transformation. The car will get the same 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine that will deliver max power of 74bhp and peak torque of 190Nm. The facelift Dzire is expected to get push start button, reverse parking assistant, premium upholstery with new front profile at the exterior front. This new diesel version will offer a mileage of 25.2 kmpl which is almost 10 % more than its predecessor. The petrol model will be powered by 1.2-litre K-Series VVT engine, churning out 83.2bhp and max torque of 115Nm. The mileage of petrol model has been improved by 9.67%. The price of the base variant is said to be the same, though the high-end model will take a price hike because of some new features.
Volkswagen Polo Based Compact Sedan – With most of the carmakers planning to introduce/ already introduced compact sedans, German carmaker Volkswagen too will join the party with a sub four meter Polo based sedan in the country. The upcoming saloon is likely to be powered by Polo's 1.2- litre petrol engine that can churn out 73.9bhp and 110Nm of torque, while the diesel version will get its power from 1.2 litre diesel engine, churning out the same 73.9bhp and 180Nm of torque. The pricing of Polo based sedan is said to be competitive at Rs. 4.5- 8 lacs.
Hyundai Verna Facelift – with an aim to take back its lead position in the segment, Hyundai Verna facelift is also making its way to the Indian market in the year 2015. The new sedan will get new face - featuring twin-slat chrome grille, new swept-back projector headlamps and refreshed bumper. On the inside, the car will get elite changes to the overall design. Mechanically, the revamped Verna is adorned with 1.4L/1.6L petrol and diesel engine mated to 5-Speed MT and 4-Speed AT. The car is likely to get the price tag of Rs. 7.5 – 12 Lac.
Honda Accord Facelift – Honda too does not want to leave any room for its contenders and for that, the carmaker is coming with the refurbished version of its very famous Accord sedan in the country. The facelift Accord will get updated design along with new features. Mechanically, the car will get its power from 2.4-litre petrol engine with a choice of manual and CVT gearboxes. It is also said that Honda will launch Accord sedan with a hybrid variant too, though it will miss the V6 petrol version this time. The car would get the price tag of around Rs. 22- 25 lacs.