It is rather typical of carmakers to bring a number of new models to the Indian market in the run up to the festive season and 2019 will be no different. There are at least five new models coming – three all-new cars and three facelifts – that will arrive in showrooms in the next couple of months. Despite the current downturn in the industry, the fact that car manufacturers are carrying on with their launch plans provides a silver lining to what is a dreary sales report. Among the numerous carmakers scheduled to launch new models, we can confirm that at least Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Renault, Honda and Toyota will be adding to their respective portfolios. Here are the details:
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
The production-spec version of Maruti’s Future S Concept will finally arrive in the form of the S-Presso on September 30. A new micro-SUV, the small hatchback features SUV-like styling to appeal to the Indian car buyer and will directly take on the Renault Kwid, though it will also rival the Datsun Redigo. The model will debut the BS6-compliant version of Maruti’s K10 petrol motor. Based on other engines from the brand that were upgraded from BS4 to BS6-spec, the output figures are expected to be the same 68hp and 90Nm of torque, though mileage figures are expected to drop slightly. Other details about the Maruti S-Presso are scarce, though spy shots of the model confirm that it will come with a central-mounted speedometer.
Renault Kwid facelift
Renault’s highest-selling model will get a major update next month. Along with a slew of design updates on the outside to keep it fresh and to comply with crash test and pedestrian safety norms, the Renault Kwid facelift will also get tweaked interiors. While the exterior will be reminiscent of the City K-ZE EV that debuted at the 2019 Shanghai motor show, the interiors are expected to be similar to the Triber’s – from the new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible and digital instrument cluster to the dashboard design and steering wheel. The same 54hp, 0.8-litre and 68hp, 1.0-litre petrol engines will be on offer, though these will be upgraded to BS6-spec later. The Datsun Redigo and Maruti Suzuki S-Presso rival will continue to be offered with 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearbox options.
Hyundai Elantra facelift
Hyundai may have just launched the Grand i10 Nios, along with the Venue compact SUV earlier this year, but the Korean brand will also bring out the refreshed version of its rival to the Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla Altis and Honda Civic in mid-September. Besides the changes to the exteriors and interiors – the former brings its looks in line with the newer Hyundai models while the latter will make sure the model has the kit to be competitive – the Elantra facelift will also come with a BS6-compliant version of 152hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine. Whether the 128hp, 1.6-litre diesel will be on offer is still a question mark. Prices are expected to rise slightly.
Toyota Vellfire
Come October, Toyota is likely to bring its luxury MPV to our market. While speculation had suggested the Japanese brand will bring the Alphard to India, our exclusive confirmed that the six-seat Toyota Vellfire will launch instead to take on the Mercedes V-class. To be powered by a petrol-electric powertrain – a 150hp, 2.5-litre engine with a 143hp electric motor (combined output is 197hp) – the model will come with all-wheel-drive and a CVT automatic. Leaked brochures that have surfaced online confirm that the Vellfire will come with captain seats (power adjustable and reclinable with ventilation) in the second row, powered sliding doors and tailgate, two sunroofs, three-zone automatic climate control, mood lighting, individual tray tables, seven airbags and an option of a black or beige interior. Expect prices in the Rs 80 lakh region due to its CBU status.
Honda HR-V
Honda’s expected to try to get a toe into the extremely competitive midsize SUV segment with the HR-V. The SUV has a lot cut out for it when it arrives as it will go up against the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier and MG Hector, among others. Spy shots of the HR-V show that it will be styled like its larger sibling, the CR-V, and come with 17-inch alloys. The cabin area resembles Honda’s Civic – higher-spec variants will have a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), a sunroof and other premium creature comforts. Engine-gearbox options ware also expected to be borrowed from the executive sedan to keep prices in check, which means that the HR-V is likely to get the 141hp, 1.8-litre petrol-CVT combination and the 120hp, 1.6-litre diesel-manual. As the Honda HR-V will only be locally assembled, rather than manufactured here, it is expected to cost a premium over like-sized rivals.
from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2KYvjtV
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