This year will have over 40 launches from which we bring you, our list of the 20 most popular launches. Nearly every manufacturer has something new to offer and if you have kept your money in your pockets, 2013 is a good year to spend it on automobiles.
1. Hyundai Santa Fe –
Hyundai’s Santa Fe looks sharper, sportier and edgier than the current model. The dashboard is going to be more stylish and the 3rd row passengers would have increased interior space. The 2013 Santa Fe was unveiled at the New York Auto Show and uses an evolution of the manufacturers ‘Fluidic’ design with a more purposeful front fascia, a hexagonal grille and a lowered roofline. The dashboard will have a new BlueLink multimedia interface which allows you to use technology like voice text messaging and navigation and monthly vehicle reporting. There is also now a panoramic sunroof and the front and rear leg space is going to be better too. The 2013 Santa Fe will come with optional active All-Wheel-Drive (AWD). The current 2.2-litre engine would be tweaked and Hyundai could also bring in a new 2.0-litre CRDi engine. The pricing would indeed make the Santa Fe a very tempting proposition assuming that Hyundai will assemble the Santa Fe in India.
2. Nissan Duster – (Image Credit – Overdrive.in)
Nissan will be introducing its rebadged Duster into the market. The engine, gearbox and other mechanicals will remain the same but Nissan’s version of the Duster will have a redesigned front end and rear tailgate too.
3. Ford EcoSport –
The sub 4-meter Ford EcoSport is going to be one of the most anticipated launches of this year. The mini SUV is great to drive with its Ecoboost engine and the ride and handling are expected to be excellent too. There will also be a 1.5-litre diesel engine from the Fiesta. While the first generation Ecosport was launched only in Brazil, the 2nd generation Ecosport would be sold across the world. The styling is fantastic with its ‘open-mouthed’ grille, the high bonnet line and flared wheel. The rear is attractive as well and the dashboard has a ‘wedge’ like designed central console which has a digital ‘command centre’. The interior space is good too and the EcoSport would come with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine which will be matched to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This mini SUV uses the B2E platform which uses independent MacPherson struts at the front and a semi-independent twist beam at the rear. The balance between the ride and handling is expected to be excellent.
4. Maruti XA-Alpha –
Built on the Swift platform, the Maruti XA-Alpha looks like a proper SUV with its short front and rear overhangs. Powering it will be the 1.4-litre K-series petrol engine and the Fiat sourced 1.3-litre diesel engine. 4WD will also be offered as an option.
5. 2013 Chevrolet Beat –
The Chevrolet Beat will be given a facelift with restyled front and rear bumpers, a larger and a more prominent front honeycomb grille. The wing mirrors will be restyled and the front and rear lights will be tweaked as well. Mechanically though the Beat will remain the same.
6. 2014 Hyundai i10 –
The 2014 Hyundai i10 will be longer and wider than before. The hatch has already been seen testing in India and will get Hyundai’s fluidic design philosophy. There will be a new 1.0-litre petrol motor and the hatch will also use a 1.2-litre Kappa motor. There will also be a 1.1-litre diesel engine on the i10.
(Note – The actual car might differ from the model shown here.)
7. 2013 Maruti Suzuki A-star –
Suzuki unveiled in China a more mature version of the A-star. The new front headlamps are larger and angular and the front bumper and grille has been tweaked as well. Mechanically there are no changes.
8. Volvo V40 –
Volvo will be launching the V40 hatch which will be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine to compete with the soon to be launched Audi A3 and the BMW 1-series. The V40 was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and looks modern, sleek and sporty. The V40 does bear resemblance to other Volvo’s with its V-shaped bonnet and there are LED used in the front and rear lights. The cabin looks plush and luxurious with an illuminated gearknob, a “floating” centre console and some of the engine choices will be the T4 SE 4 cylinder turbo petrol and a turbocharged T5 petrol unit that producing 254PS. There will be a choice of both a manual and automatic gearbox.
9. Volkswagen Polo Cross –
VW would be introducing the Polo Cross which is a more rugged version of the Polo. With its plastic cladding all around the Polo Cross looks like a mini SUV. It has a scruff plate at the front and back and rook rails too. The alloy wheels will be bigger and the car will be the first VW to use the ‘made for India’ 1.5-litre diesel engine. Also on offer could be the 1.2-litre turbo charged petrol motor matched to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
10. 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-class –
Mercedes E-class is go to go under the knife. The four headlamp design will be a thing of the past in 2013 and the sedan will sport a new design too. At the front there is a new grille and a redesigned front bumper. The bonnet will be revised as well and so will be the rear lamps. The cabin will get an updated version of the COMAND multimedia interface and the dashboard will have a cleaner look. The seats will be more supportive and there will be some additional features like the Distronic cruise control and Brake Assist. There would be changes to the engine and gearbox too which would result in better performance and efficiency. The E-class could also get new turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine like the 1.6-litre, direct injection turbo changed producing 158PS. Mercedes will also tweak the chassis.
11. Jeep Grand Cherokee –
Jeep is expected to entre India this year with the Grand Cherokee. The SUV will be built on the same monocoque platform which also forms the basis of the Mercedes M-class and would use a 3.0-litre, V6 diesel engine. Jeep, part of the Chrysler group which is now owned by Fiat has added loads of presence to the Grand Cherokee with a toothy seven-slat grille. The bonnet is large, has a squared-off look and the 4th generation Grand Cherokee is a mix of classic and modern design. The dashboard is neatly designed, has an airy feel to it and the front and rear passengers get plenty of space. The equipment list is strong and the V6 engine is engineered by Fiat and produces 240PS and 550Nm. There is a low-ratio transfer case but no manual locking differentials. There are three different 4WD systems and you get hill descent control and electronic limited-slip differentials.
12. 2013 Ford Endeavour – (Image Credit – Cartoq.com)
The Ford Endeavour will look smarter, the cabin would have fresh design to it with better use of material. Under the hood will be Ford’s 2.2-litre TDCi producing 150PS. The Endeavour though will become more expensive and prices would increase than what they are currently.
13. 2013 Skoda Superb – (Image Credit – Theophiluschin.com)
The Skoda Superb will get a facelift and will be the first Skoda to get the manufacturer’s corporate identity. The front grille would be angular and the headlights will get tweaks as well. Changes are expected to be made to the taillamps and to the dashboard too.
(Note – The above image shown here is Skoda Superb estate version but in India only saloon version will be launched.)
14. 2013 Renault Fluence –
The 2013 Renault Fluence was shown in Turkey and will get a new front fascia with a wider grille and a new front bumper with daytime running LED lights. The alloy wheels are new as well and the design of the front is a bit similar to the new Clio. Changes to the interiors include digital instrumentation, new upholstery, a hand free card with remote central locking, new audio system, front and rear parking sensors and Renault’s R-Link infotainment system. The Fluence could also get a new 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 117PS and Renault could also add a new 1.6-kitre dCi engine. The sedan will retain the 1.5-litre diesel with a variable geometry turbo (VGT) along with the twin-cam, 16-valve 2-liter petrol.
15. 2013 Skoda Octavia –
The Skoda Octavia will make a comeback in India and will replace the Laura. The Octavia will be longer and wider but will be lighter than the Laura. The Octavia will retain the 2.0-litre diesel and the 1.8-lite TSi petrol engine.
16. Honda Brio Amaze sedan –
Honda will be launching the saloon version of the Brio , the Amaze this-year in India. The sedan version of the Brio will be less than 4-meters and will have larger rear doors and more rear interior space compare to the Brio. This will also be the first Honda car to be powered by a diesel engine and images of the sedan have already been teased on Honda’s India website.
17. Chevrolet Enjoy MPV –
The Chevrolet Enjoy might be an ordinary looking MPV but this 7-seater would be spacious from the inside and powering it will be a 1.4-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre diesel engine.
18. Tata Manza CS –
The Tata Manza’s boot will get the chop and will become less than 4-meters to benefit from the excise duty. The Manza CS will use the 1.3-litre diesel and the 1.2-litre petrol from the Vista.
19. Mahindra Verito CS –
Mahindra tool will be reducing the length of the Verito by cutting its boot.
20. 2013 Tata Nano –
The Nano will get an electric power steering and slight modifications to the exterior. Furthermore, it will also be available in 2 alternative fuel option, that includes CNG and diesel.
(Note – The above image shown here is of Tata Nano Europa, the actual car may differ from the model shown here.)
Source – TopSpeed.in
