Upcoming Cars In India, Launching Around Diwali 2017

Audi gets aggressive, so does Skoda, and how can you forget the Ford EcoSport facelift - all get ready to celebrate Diwali with you!

A slew of new car launches are lined up with Diwali just a month and a half away. Most car manufacturers have ramped up their car production in order to have enough inventory ahead of the festive season. Scroll down to know the complete list of upcoming cars in India that would be launched around Diwali:

Ford EcoSport Facelift

Expected price – Rs 7-11 lakh

Expected launch – October 2017

Ford is readying the launch of the facelift EcoSport. The under-4m compact SUV has been Ford’s most important model in the country, and its facelifted model will be getting extensive changes inside out. It gets an Endeavour-like face with a single-piece grille while the redesigned bumper houses fog lamps and turn signals.

On the inside, the Ford EcoSport facelift will get completely overhauled interiors with new instrument cluster, steering wheel, switchgear and a floating large touchscreen (8 or 6.5-inch) display.  Under the hood, it will be equipped with a new, more powerful 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine mated with a fresh 6-speed automatic transmission. The diesel motor is expected to be the same as seen in the present EcoSport – a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder unit. When launched, it’ll have a new rival in the form of the Tata Nexon, along with the existing Maruti Vitara Brezza and Honda WRV.

To know what all things it gets, head over to our story - Ford EcoSport Facelift: What To Expect?

Renault Captur

Expected price – Rs 13-16 lakh

Expected launch – October 2017

Renault India has announced the launch of the Renault Captur in the country by the end of this year. We are expecting it to launch the flagship SUV in the next two months. Sitting above the Renault Duster, the Captur is likely to be powered by the tried and tested 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines of the Duster. The French carmaker hasn’t revealed any info on the mechanicals though, but we expect even the transmissions to be the same as seen in the Duster. It will be a five-seater crossover.

The Renault Captur is likely to be tagged upwards of 13 lakh, where it’ll be rivalling the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, Hyundai Creta (facelifts of both the models expected soon) and the Jeep Compass.

Want to know about the Captur features and more? Have a look at our story, Renault Captur: All You Need To Know

Maruti Suzuki Celerio X

Expected price – Rs 4.40 – 5.60 lakh

Expected launch – October 2017

Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to launch a Celerio-based cross hatch to cash in on the festive season sales. The Maruti Celerio X gets cosmetic upgrades with black cladding all around, which makes it feel like a rugged vehicle. Recently, its details were leaked. It will be offered in four variants - VXi, VXi (O), ZXi, and ZXi (O). Besides the manual gearbox, all these trims will also get an option of an automated manual transmission (AMT).

The Celerio X will be offered only with the 1.0-litre petrol engine. Its equipment list will be similar to that of the standard version. Depending on the variant, the Celerio X will get features such as keyless entry, power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs, 60:40 split rear seats, steering-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, ABS and dual airbags.

Audi Q5

Expected price – Rs 48-60 lakh

Expected launch – October 2017

Audi India will be launching yet another SUV, the all-new second-generation Q5, in the country. Retaining the essence of a true Audi, the Audi Q5 features dynamic changes to its exterior, which look sharper and more aerodynamic than its predecessor. Based on Volkswagen’s MLB Evo platform, the upcoming Audi Q5 will be 90kg lighter than the previous model.

The new Q5 gets an 8.3-inch infotainment system with handwriting recognition, Audi’s MMI interface (with navigation) paired with a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 12.3-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit’ replacing the analogue instrument cluster. It is likely to carry the same engine option as the discontinued Q5 – a 2.0-litre 252PS diesel unit. Additionally, it will also get a 2.0-litre 190PS petrol mill. A 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox is expected to be mated to both the engines. Have a look at what other changes the new Q5 will be getting at All New Audi Q5 Coming Soon.

It will be competing with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60.

Cars Launched

Skoda Octavia RS - Now launched at Rs 24.62 lakh 

Launched On 1^st September 2017

After a gap of almost four years Skoda India has brought back its ‘vRS’ nameplate to the country with the Octavia RS. The performance sedan gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine generating 230PS of max power and 350Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated with a six-speed DSG (dual clutch automatic) gearbox.

The Skoda Octavia RS gets subtle yet recognisable changes over the regular Octavia. It gets redesigned front and rear bumpers, bigger wheels and new colour options on the exterior. Inside, it gets an all-black cabin with Alcantara and leather upholstery with contrast stitching, flat-bottom steering and several other features over the stock Octavia.

Audi Q7 Quattro 40TFSI - Now launched at Rs 67.76 lakh

Sticking to its promise to offer its entire lineup with petrol engines, Audi India has launched its flagship SUV, the Q7, with a petrol heart. Termed as the 40 TFSI trim, the petrol Q7 draws power from a 2.0-litre TFSI motor mustering 255PS of max power and 370Nm of max torque. The petrol Q7 is available in two variants - Premium Plus and Technology.

Tata Nexon - Now launched at Rs 5.85 lakh

The most promising product from Tata in a long time, the Tata Nexon has been introduced at Rs 5.85 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It is offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel and a 1.2-litre petrol. The petrol engine is the same unit as seen in the Tigor but the addition of a turbocharger helps it garner more power. It gets multi-drive modes – Sport, City and Eco.

The intelligently packaged crossover sports bucket-like rear seats, floating 6.5-inch touchscreen (works with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), projector headlamps, 8-speaker sound system, a smart-key, push-button start and an impressive segment-best ground clearance of 209mm (unladen). To know how it drives, visit our Tata Nexon First Drive Review story.

The Tata Nexon competes against the segment leader, the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Honda WR-V and the Ford EcoSport.

Skoda Kodiaq - Now launched at Rs 34.49 lakh

Launched on 4th October 2017

Yet another premium SUV in this list, the all-new Skoda Kodiaq was launched on October 4, 2017. The charismatic Kodiaq is a full-size seven-seater SUV and packs in a plethora of high-end features along with some simple yet smart ones as well (like the detachable torch in the boot, door border protection, etc.). To know more about such features, head over to our Skoda Kodiaq Video Review.

It is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, paired to a 7-speed DSG transmission. The diesel mill puts out max power of 150PS and 340Nm of peak torque. The SUV will be locking horns with the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour; but with Skoda tagging the Kodiaq at Rs 34 lakh, it will also rival entry level luxury SUVs like the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Audi S5/A5 Sportback and A5 Cabriolet – Now launched at Rs 54.02 lakh

Launched On 5th October 2017

The Audi A5 Sportback has been launched at Rs 54.02 lakh (ex-showroom). Along with it, the A5 Cabriolet and the S5 were introduced at Rs 67.51 lakh and Rs 70.60 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. Besides the platform, the A5 Sportback shares most of its parts with the A4 sedan to keep costs in check.

Powering the A5 is a 2.0-litre diesel engine pumping out max power of 190PS and 400Nm of torque. On the other hand, the S5 gets a bigger, 3.0-litre V6 diesel motor mustering 354PS and 500Nm. Both the engines are mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission working with Quattro all-wheel drive. The Audi A5 Sportback sprints from 0-100kmph in 7.9 seconds, while the S5 takes a mere 4.7 seconds.

There are no direct rivals of the Audi A5 but considering its price, it goes up against the Mercedes-Benz E Class, BMW 5-Series and the Volvo S60. While the S5 lock horns with sportier rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG and the Volvo S60 Polestar, the A5 Cabriolet competes against the Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet.

Maruti Suzuki Celerio Facelift – Now launched at Rs 4.15 lakh

Launched on 5th October 2017

Pushing its low performing Celerio, Maruti Suzuki launched a refreshed version of its hatch at Rs 4.15 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The changes are mostly cosmetic in the mid-life facelift. It gets a sporty mesh grille, a chrome lining on the bonnet, redesigned fog-lamp housings, and restyled front and rear bumpers. The cabin now adorns new dual-tone black and griege theme along with abstract patterns to make it livelier.

However, the biggest addition is the standard driver airbag. The seatbelt reminder too is offered as standard. ABS and passenger airbags are available as an option across Celerio trims. It continues to extract power from the same 1.0-litre engine and returns a mileage of 23.1kmpl.

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross Facelift – Now launched at Rs 8.49 lakh

Launched on 3rd October 2017

Maruti Suzuki has launched its S-Cross facelift in the Indian market at Rs 8.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The updated S-Cross has a more aggressive stance with a reworked front profile that now features LED projector headlamps, an upright grille and a sculpted bonnet. The cabin and the equipment list of the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross facelift is similar to that of its predecessor.

A big setback for performance enthusiasts is the absence of the bigger 1.6-litre diesel engine in the updated version. That said, the 1.3-litre diesel mill gets a mild-hybrid touch, which improves the fuel economy of this crossover to 25.1kmpl (up from 23.65kmpl). Moreover, it promises to be more efficient with engine start-stop function and brake energy regeneration system. It is available only in the diesel version.

To know how the S-Cross facelift drives, do check out our Maruti Suzuki S-Cross Expert Review.

Volkswagen Passat - Now launched at Rs 29.99 lakh

Launched on 10^th October 2017

Just ahead of the festive season, Volkswagen has launched the all-new eighth generation Passat in the country. Offered in two variants – Comfortline and Highline – the executive sedan is powered by a single 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, which develops 177PS of max power and 350Nm of peak torque. Linked to a 6-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic) transmission, the Volkswagen Passat returns an ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency figure of 17.42kmpl. Highlights include the segment-first 9 airbags and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system which supports both Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto.

Porsche 911 GT3 - Now launched at Rs 2.31 crore

Launched on 9^th October 2017

 

The amalgamation of extreme power and luxury, the Porsche 911 GT3 took on the Indian streets on October 9, 2017. Being the most track-focussed 911 on sale today, the GT3 is powered by a 4.0-litre 6-cylinder boxer engine which pumps out an astonishing 507PS of power and a massive torque of 540Nm. This potent motor will be mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. To set it apart from regular 911s, the GT3 gets a massive rear wing, bigger wheels and smoked headlamps. It rivals with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R.

Mahindra KUV100 NXT– Now launched at Rs 4.39 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai)

Launched on 10th October 2017

Continuing its launching streak, Mahindra and Mahindra has introduced its updated KUV 100 NXT at Rs 4.39 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). Carrying forwarding the same petrol and diesel trims, the KUV100 NXT gets a restyled bumper with a relatively wider air dam and, overall, a toned-down styling. The new body cladding ensures it looks more muscular and attracts a wider range of customers. On the inside, the baby SUV boasts the same all-black interiors introduced earlier this year. A new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment makes its way to the updated car. Mated to a five-speed manual transmission, the Mahindra vehicle yet again misses out on AMT.