The two launches that kicked off 2017, the Maruti Ignis and Tata Hexa, were just a taste of things to come. Carmakers are readying for a flurry of launches and updates for vehicles in every segment of the market. The mass market category will receive an updated Honda City, an all-new Maruti Swift and Dzire, a heavily updated Ford EcoSport and Tata’s third compact sedan, known as the Kite 5 for now. On the other end of the spectrum, Audi will release the long-awaited diesel A4, VW will relaunch the Passat and Lexus, making a grand entry to India with three luxury models.
Take a closer look:
Hyundai Grand i10 facelift
When: February 2017
The update to this popular hatchback will see it borrows design cues from its European siblings. It will get a new, wider grille, revised bumper and updated headlamps. The interiors too will receive a number of updates. New front seats and a touchscreen infotainment system for the top trim are on the cards. The current 1.1-litre diesel engine will be replaced for a bigger, more powerful 75hp 1.2-litre motor. The petrol unit remains unchanged.
Honda City facelift
When: February 14, 2017
The Honda City has been facing stiff competition from the Maruti Ciaz. To help its case, Honda will give the City a revised front fascia, reprofiled tail-lamps and some updated equipment. Honda is also expected to revive the 'ZX' badge for the 2017 model. The engine line-up is likely to remain the same, but the new model is expected to ride higher as a result of suspension tweaks.
Maruti Baleno RS
When: February 2017
After showcasing it as a concept early last year at the Auto Expo, the Baleno RS is finally ready for launch. The RS’ 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine is likely to be tuned down to deliver 102hp instead of the original 111hp. Standard equipment will include a five-speed manual, and there's no news of an automatic option. To mark it as an RS, it is also expected to receive a minor body kit to help visually differentiate it.
Audi A4 diesel
When: February 2017
The Audi A4 diesel finally makes its way to India. Powered by the new EA288 2.0-litre diesel motor that develops 190hp, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto ‘box, it is also expected to have a manual options that slots below the auto to appeal to enthusiasts.
Porsche 718 Boxster, Cayman
When: February 15, 2017
The new cars are thorough updates of the outgoing models. The most significant change is the flat-four turbocharged engines that replace the naturally aspirated flat-six motors. For India, the car will receive the 300hp 2.0-litre engine options mated to the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The more powerful 35-hp 2.5-litre engine that powers the ‘S’ variants will not be sold here.
Mercedes E-class LWB
When: February 28, 2017
In place of the conventional model, Mercedes is launching the long-wheelbase edition of the E-class. It is 140mm longer than the standard car and will offer more rear legroom. Buyers can also choose between a 3.0-litre V6 diesel and a 184hp 2.0-litre petrol engine. To comply with India’s shift to BS-VI, a new-gen modular 2.0-litre diesel and 3.0-litre straight-six diesel will be added to the line-up post the shift.
Hyundai Xcent facelift
When: March 2017
The Xcent will receive a new front-end similar to the updated Grand i10. The rear will receive a new bumper, fenders and a new boot lid. The inside will also receive tweaks in line with those on the updated Grand i10. Top variants will receive a touchscreen infotainment system as well. While the petrol engine is likely to remain as is, the 1.1-litre diesel is likely to be replaced with a new 1.2-litre unit as on the updated Grand i10.
Lexus LX
When: March 2017
The first of three models that Lexus is expected to start its Indian journey with is the top-of-the-range Land Cruiser-based seven-seater LX SUV. The petrol LX570 will be powered by a 383hp 5.7-litre V8 and the diesel LX450d gets a twin-turbo 269hp, 4.5-litre V8. The diesel SUV is expected to go on sale first as a five-seater only. The seven-seater petrol variant will be available from October.
Lexus RX
When: March 2017
The RX SUV is the second of three cars from Lexus. It will be available in a hybrid avatar as the RX450h. Power will be generated by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine coupled with Toyota’s hybrid system like the one in the Prius and will be mated to an e-CVT gearbox. The combined power generated will be 308hp. Lexus is also considering the RX450h F-sport, a sportier looking version of this SUV with an aggressive body kit and minor mechanical differences. Its engine, however, will be the same.
Lexus ES
When: March 2017
Squarely aimed at those looking for a relaxed and comfortable driving experience, the entry-level Lexus will be sold only as a hybrid. The Lexus ES, in fact, shares more than a few parts with the Camry hybrid. An important one is its 2.5-litre petrol engine and the electric motor assist that’s paired with the exact same CVT gearbox. That these cars share a platform may also be an indication that the Lexus ES could be assembled in India. This would make it the first ever locally assembled Lexus.
Porsche Panamera
When: March 2017
The second-gen Panamera will be launched in India in its standard and long-wheelbase avatar. The standard-size Panamera Turbo will be launched first in March followed by the long-wheelbase Panamera Executive Turbo and a line-up of lower petrol and diesel variants will follow it before the year ends. Next year, Porsche is likely to launch a hybrid version of the Panamera.
New Maruti Swift
When: Mid-2017
Late last year Suzuki unveiled the new Swift that would arrive at markets around the world sometime in 2017. Currently, Maruti is testing the third-gen Swift and is expected to launch it in India sometime in the middle of the year. The new Swift is likely to continue with the current set of engines, i.e. the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel. It is also expected to get new interiors, said to be specifically developed for the Indian market.
New Maruti Dzire
When: Mid-2017
Pictures of the test mule of this car have already been doing rounds on the internet. The Dzire will receive the exact same treatment in terms of engine and interiors as the new Swift hatchback.
Tata Kite 5
When: Mid-2017
The Kite 5 will share a number of mechanical parts with its sibling, the Tiago. This includes both the petrol and diesel engines as well. Initially these will be paired to a five-speed manual transmission but an AMT is expected later. It will also receive the same interiors, infotainment system and safety features as the Tiago. A major plus with the Kite 5 is expected to be its class-leading 420-litre boot. It is expected that the car will slot in below the Zest in Tata’s line-up.
Toyota Prius
The latest gen Toyota Prius is said to be more efficient than the current model. Its 1.8-litre petrol motor is said to be more efficient than before and its electric motor will be a newer, more compact one. Toyota is apparently considering local assembly, but it likely that the car will be imported as a CBU.
Volkswagen Passat
The Passat is expected to drive back into India in standard and hybrid form. The standard version will be available with the option of a 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine or a 2.0-litre TDI diesel motor with both mated to automatic transmissions. The plug-in hybrid version, the Passat GTE is likely to sell in limited numbers and is an attempt to promote alternatively fuelled vehicles.
Chevrolet Beat
This will not be a simple facelift but a more comprehensive upgrade. It is not, however, an all-new model. The upgrades include a more modern look, premium interiors, Chevrolet’s MyLink touchscreen infotainment system and more. There will be two three-cylinder engines on offer – the current 1.0-diesel and a new 1.0-litre petrol. A crossover version called the Beat Activ is also likely to be sold.
Chevrolet Beat Essentia
Based on the Beat, the Essentia compact sedan is expected to take the fight to Tata’s Kite 5. It is expected that this compact sedan will have a surprisingly large amount of interior space. Chevrolet also plans to be generous with the equipment offered with the top trims likely to get its MyLink touchscreen infotainment system. The engines are likely to be the same as that on the Beat.
Ford EcoSport facelift
When: Late-2017
A heavily updated Ford EcoSport is expected to launch in India around the festive season. The changes include a completely revised front styling, and thoroughly updated cabin. While the international model loses the tailgate-mounted spare wheel, this design element is expected to continue in India. The dashboard gets a new large centrally mounted touchscreen infotainment system. The engines that currently do service on the EcoSport are likely to continue. It’s not expected to get the all-wheel-drive feature offered on international models.
Tata Nexon
When: Late-2017
The Nexon compact SUV is based on the same platform as the Bolt and Zest, but it follows the new Impact design language and has taken style cues from the Range Rover Evoque. A cab-forward stance, long wheelbase and wide cabin translate more space on the inside. This SUV will also debut the all-new 1.5-litre diesel engine and a turbocharged Revotron engine from the Tiago.