New cars for 2013 Updated

We have compiled an array of exciting new cars coming in the next 12 months. Read on to find out what exciting new metal is in store for you.

  

If you plan to buy a new car, it might be worth waiting for these. Here is our annual list of new cars that you can expect to see in the showrooms near you over the next 12 months. There’s something for everyone — hatchbacks, small saloons, big saloons, MPVs and SUVs of all shapes and sizes. Read on to find out what exciting new metal is in store starting this month.

Chevrolet Beat facelift

Its funky design may still be as striking as ever, but the Beat is due to get its first styling update sometime in 2013. As part of the refresh, the Beat will get reprofiled bumpers, a larger honeycomb grille and different wing mirrors, apart from tweaks to the front and rear lights. The mechanicals are likely to remain unchanged though.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 79bhp/10.9kgm, 58.5bhp/15.2kgm
Kerb weight: 965-1027kg
L/W/H: 3640/1595/1520mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 3.8-5.7 lakh*

Fiat Punto Evo

Free from its unsuccessful sales and service tie-up with Tata Motors, Fiat now needs fresh products to get customers back into its showrooms. And the Punto Evo could be just the right model to get the ball rolling. With a new front bumper, different grille and reworked head- and tail-lights, it looks quite different from the Punto on sale today. The European car also gets a new dashboard, though it is not certain whether this will make it onto the India-spec version. All other mechanicals are likely to be carried on from before, though.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.4-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 67bhp/9.76kgm, 89bhp/11.67kgm, 75bhp/20.08kgm, 90bhp/21.3kgm
Kerb weight: 1090-1144kg
L/W/H: 3987/1687/1495mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 5-7.5 lakh*

Hyundai New i10

Hyundai’s i10 may no longer be the massive seller that it once was, but that could change with the arrival of the new model in September 2013. Spied testing near Chennai, the new car (codename: BA) appears to be both longer and wider than the current i10, which points to a more spacious cabin. The camouflaged test car’s swept-back headlamps, hexagonal cues in the region of the front grille and rising shoulder line also hint that the new i10 will conform to Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language. Engine options will include the variable valve timing-equipped 1.2-litre Kappa petrol motor from the current i10 and also a new 1.0-litre petrol unit from the same engine family. But what will seriously boost the i10’s appeal is the new 1.1-litre common-rail diesel engine currently under-development at Hyundai. A lengthy features list and competitive pricing should mark this out as one of the cars to wait for in 2013. A compact saloon based on the new i10 is also believed to be under development.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol, 1.2-litre petrol, 1.1-litre diesel
Power/torque: NA, 79bhp/11.4kgm, NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: September 2013
Price: Rs 3.5-6 lakh*

Mahindra E2O

At long last, the follow-up to India’s first electric car, the next-gen Reva, is ready to go on sale in November 2012 in all probability as the Mahindra E20. In case you are wondering, this is the production version of the Reva NXR concept from a few years ago, though the new name is likely to follow Reva-owner Mahindra’s tradition to end car names with an ‘O’. To be manufactured at Mahindra’s new plant at Bangalore, this all-new electric car will come with an electric motor that derives power from 48-volt lithium-ion batteries capable of powering the car for about 100km on a single charge. Mahindra sees promise in this project and is considering leasing out the batteries which are an expensive component to replace. With prices likely to range from Rs 5.5-6 lakh, India’s latest EV won’t be cheap but sops on electric cars could bring prices down in the future.

FACTFILE
Engine: Electric
Power/torque: NA
Kerb weight: 850kg*
L/W/H: NA
Expected: November 2012
Price: Rs 5.5-6 lakh*

Maruti A-star facelift

The slow-selling Maruti A-Star is scheduled to receive a fairly comprehensive makeover in 2013.
On display at the recent Chengdu Motor Show in China (where it is sold as the Alto), the updated car looks a lot more grown up than the current model. It gets larger and more angular headlamps that flow into a new grille and also different front and rear bumpers. Changes to the cabin are likely to be restricted to new upholstery only, and the K10 engine will carry on unaltered.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol
Power/torque: 66bhp/9kgm
Kerb weight: 895kg
L/W/H: 3500/1600/1490mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 3.7-4.5 lakh*

Tata Nano variants

Tata will follow the Nano 2012 up with further upgrades to the car in 2013. Chief among these will be the option of power steering, which will address one of the Nano’s key weaknesses. A compact electric power-steering unit fitted under the steering column will make the Nano easier to drive. Among other likely additions are a hinged tailgate, alloy wheels and a dedicated glove compartment on the dashboard. You can expect this fully loaded version of the Nano to cost around Rs 25,000 more than the top LX variant. Tata will also launch the Nano with a CNG kit in the coming year, though the hugely anticipated diesel Nano is unlikely to make production before 2014. 

FACTFILE
Engine: 0.6-litre petrol
Power/torque: 37.4bhp/5.2kgm
Kerb weight: 635kg
L/W/H: 3099/1495/1652mm
Expected: Early-2013
Price: Rs 2.2 lakh*

Volkswagen Polo Auto

Polo sales haven’t quite matched up to Volkswagen’s expectations. VW wants to turn things around, and the recent update that saw the top-end Highline variants get added kit and a price cut was only the start. The manufacturer is now readying an automatic version of the petrol car. If that doesn’t have you interested, the fact that this version will get a 1.2-litre TSI turbocharged engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox (codename DQ200) certainly will. Power will see a spike up to 104bhp, making this the most powerful hatchback in its class, and thanks to the dual-clutch ’box, fuel economy shouldn’t be bad either. Given the tech on offer, expect the Polo auto to cost at least Rs 1 lakh more than the petrol manual Highline. Further down the road, VW will also give the Polo a downsized 1.5-litre version of the Vento’s diesel engine, but it won’t be available anytime before 2014.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo-petrol
Power/torque: 104bhp/24.2kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H:3970/1682/1453mm
Expected: March 2013
Price: Rs 8 lakh*

* Estimated, ex-showroom, Delhi

Mercedes-Benz A-class

Following the recent launch of the B-class, Mercedes will continue its charge down the price ladder with the introduction of the latest A-class hatchback. The new A-class is free from the ‘tall boy’ stance of its predecessors and, in that sense, looks more conventional. However, the new car seems designed for a younger customer base and looks really sporty and aggressive in the flesh. Its cabin is also far sportier and even space is surprisingly good. Like the B-class, the new A is underpinned by Merc’s new front-wheel-drive MFA platform and thanks to some clever engineering, it is really fun to drive. The electric power steering is the only weak link on the dynamics front really. Mercedes will equip the A-class with a 121bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol and a 1.8-litre diesel, both of which will come mated to seven-speed dual-clutch gearboxes. With prices likely to start from Rs 18 lakh, the A-class will be a stellar entry point to the Mercedes brand.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol, 1.8-litre diesel
Power/torque: 121bhp/20.4kgm, 134bhp/30.55kgm
Kerb weight: 1370kg
L/W/H: 4292/1780/1433mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 18 lakh*

Volkswagen New Beetle

Bigger and better than the model it replaces, the latest Beetle could be on its way to India in 2013. The retro-chic styling has evolved, the cabin is more spacious and the new underpinnings promise to make it better to drive too. Engine options could include a 158bhp 1.4-litre petrol and even a 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel. That should give the new Beetle enough ammo to take on the Mini Cooper – its only rival in the niche high-end hatchback market. Cute and cheerful as it may be, the new Beetle will cost serious money, with pricing in the region of Rs 25 lakh.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 158bhp/24.5kgm, 138bhp/32.6kgm
Kerb weight: 1360kg
L/W/H: 4278/2021/2048mm
Expected: Mid-2013
Price: Rs 25 lakh*

Volkswagen Cross Polo

Mini-SUVs are the next gold rush for manufacturers, and even Volkswagen has plans to enter the segment in December 2013 with the launch of the attractive Polo-based crossover. As is evident in the picture, the Cross Polo looks like a rugged version of the standard Polo hatch, and much of its appeal stems from the plastic cladding on the lower portion of the bumpers and doors, its smartly finished roof rails and, of course, those 17-inch wheels. On the inside, different upholstery will distinguish this car from the standard Polo. The Cross Polo will be the first VW product to get the new, made-for-India 1.5-litre diesel engine. A 1.2-litre TSI turbo-petrol mated to a seven-speed DSG auto could be an option as well. A Rs 6-8 lakh price-tag seems realistic for this crossover.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 104bhp/24.2kgm, NA
Kerb weight: 1171kg
L/W/H: 3970/1682/1462mm
Expected: December 2013
Price: Rs 6-8 lakh*

Ford EcoSport

Ford Sees tremendous potential in the burgeoning mini-SUV segment and its EcoSport is just the product for the job. Striking in the flesh, the production version – due for an India launch in early 2013 – looks very similar to the concept that was premiered at this year’s Auto Expo. That means the car carries an imposing gaping grille, high bonnet-line and attractive wraparound rear windscreen. Most importantly, it looks like a proper SUV despite its sub-four-metre length. Even the cabin is quite funky, and comes with decent space. What’s great is that the EcoSport is just as good to drive as it is to look at. Built on Ford’s global B-platform that also underpins the latest Fiesta, the EcoSport feeds on corners, and the ride quality is quite accomplished. To be sold with the 1.5-litre diesel from the Fiesta, the EcoSport will also mark the Indian debut of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged, direct-injection petrol motor that promises to offer the performance of a 1.6 petrol with the efficiency of a smaller-capacity engine. The best bit? The EcoSport’s length and engine displacement qualify it as a small car, so pricing is expected at a very competitive Rs 7-9 lakh. We can’t wait!

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 123bhp/17.2kgm, 88.7bhp/20.8kgm
Kerb weight: 1243kg
L/W/H: NA/2060/1670mm
Expected: Early-2013
Price: Rs 7-9 lakh*

Maruti mini-SUV

As the interesting XA-Alpha concept from the Auto Expo made quite obvious, Maruti is developing its own mini-SUV, which could go on sale in the latter part of 2013. To be built on the Swift platform, the SUV will be a clean-sheet design and will come with lots of butch SUV elements. For starters, the SUV will have very short front and rear overhangs, which are also essential to keep length under the four-metre mark. The concept’s high-set five-block grille, heavy frontal cladding, oversized wheel arches and thick C-pillar are some of the other interesting design elements we expect to see on the production model. To keep costs in check, the new SUV could come with the Swift’s dashboard. Maruti will offer the production XA-Alpha with its range of K-series petrol engines and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine and there will be a four-wheel-drive version too. It will be interesting to see how Maruti prices its own mini-SUV vis-à-vis the Ford EcoSport.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel
Power/torque: 86bhp/11.6kgm, 88.7bhp/20.4kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2013
Price: Rs 7 lakh*

Nissan SUV

Nissan’s model range is set to receive a fillip with the introduction of a new Renault Duster-based small SUV. Remember, Renault and Nissan are alliance partners and have succesfully badge-engineered each other’s products in India. The Pulse and Scala are, in effect, Renault’s versions of Nissan’s Micra and Sunny respectively. While the new Nissan SUV will adopt the Duster’s broad-shouldered basic design, it will differ from its Renault sibling with a restyled front-end, a new tailgate and possibly even some changes to the sheet metal. Changes to the cabin are likely to be minimal to keep costs in check and even the engines will be the same as on the Duster. The good news is, as per Renault-Nissan’s pricing structure, the new SUV will be cheaper than the Duster by a few thousands at the very least.

FACTFILE
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel, 1.5-litre diesel
Power/torque: 102.5bhp/14.8kgm, 84bhp/20.4kgm, 108.5bhp/25.3kgm
Kerb weight: 1160-1308kg
L/W/H: 4315/1822/1695mm
Expected: August 2013
Price: Rs 7.5-11.5 lakh*

* Estimated, ex-showroom, Delhi

BMW X1 facelift

The launch of the Audi Q3 has seriously hurt BMW X1 sales in India. So you can be pretty sure BMW will step on the gas and bring in the facelifted X1 to India by January 2013. While the updated model retains the current X1’s basic design, it gets a more contoured front bumper with a completely redesigned lower section, as well as a slightly restyled rear bumper. Changes to the cabin are limited to a mildly reworked centre console, but higher quality materials should enhance the ambience inside. Let’s hope BMW also addresses the X1’s heavy steering with the update. 

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
Power/torque: 150bhp/20.4kgm, 177bhp/35.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1500-1530kg
L/W/H: 4454/1798/1545mm
Expected: January 2013
Price: Rs 28-38 lakh*

Ford New Endeavour 

The Endeavour that sells in India is essentially an SUV version of Ford’s Ranger pickup from the Thai market. With the new Ranger already on sale overseas, it’s only a matter of time before the new Endeavour breaks cover. In terms of design, the new Endeavour will look far more modern than the current model and even the cabin will benefit from a smarter design and better materials. Ford could also use the Endeavour as a launchpad for its new 148bhp 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine in India, and this motor could be offered with six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. What is all but certain is that with the new model, the Endeavour will lose the current price advantage it has over its rivals. 

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 148bhp/38.2kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Late-2013
Price: Rs 22 lakh*

Honda New CR-V

First things first, the new Honda CR-V that is headed to India in January 2013 will not be available with a diesel engine, at least at the time of launch. If you are still interested, you should know that the latest CR-V looks like an evolution of the current car both inside and out. However, the easily identifiable shape is more aerodynamic and the cabin airier than before. Then there is the improved chassis stiffness that promises to enhance the CR-V’s already renowned dynamics, though the new electric power steering could be a dampener here. The powertrains are likely to be carried on from the current model. A word of caution here – since it’s a full-import like the current model, the new CR-V won’t be cheap with an expected price-tag of around Rs 28 lakh.

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.4-litre petrol, 2.0-litre petrol
Power/torque: 185bhp/22.5kgm, 148bhp/19.6kgm
Kerb weight: 1500kg
L/W/H: 4528/1818/1654mm
Expected: January 2013
Price: Rs 28 lakh*

Hyundai New Santa Fe

Hyundai’s latest Santa Fe is out and it’s headed to India by mid-2013. Edgier, sharper and sportier, the new SUV’s design is a big departure from the current model’s tepid styling. It’s more of the same on the inside as well, with the new layered dashboard design among the highlights. The Santa Fe for India will sport an identical 2700mm wheelbase as the current model, but thanks to a larger rear overhang, space for third-row passengers will see an improvement. As before, the Santa Fe will be powered by a 2.2-litre diesel. While power and torque figures remain unchanged, the engine comes with tweaks for better efficiency and emissions. Hyundai could also bring in a smaller, 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel engine to try and give the SUV a better entry price-point. With an estimated price of Rs 24-25 lakh, the new Santa Fe looks set to build on the outgoing car’s strengths. 

FACTFILE
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/torque: 194bhp/42.9kgm
Kerb weight: 1820kg
L/W/H: 4902/1885/1690mm
Expected:  Mid-2013
Price: Rs 24-25 lakh*

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