There’s a long list of great sedans coming to India in 2017 – the new E-class from Mercedes, the new 5-series from BMW, a facelift for the best-selling Honda City, and many more. Take a look:
Honda City facelift
The Honda City has been facing stiff competition from the Maruti Ciaz. To help its case, Honda will give its City a revised front fascia, reprofiled tail-lamps and some updated equipment. Apparently, Honda will also revive the City ZX badge for the 2017 model. There’s no change expected in the engine offerings but the new model is expected to ride higher as a result of suspension tweaks.
When: February 14, 2017
Price: ₹8-10 lakh
Engines: 1.5 P, 1.5 D
Audi A4 diesel
The Audi A4 diesel finally makes its way to India. Powered by the new EA288 2.0-litre diesel motor, that develops 190hp and comes 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.
When: February 2017
Price: ₹39-45 lakh
Engine: 2.0 D
Mercedes E-class
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 or 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 a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel will be added to the line-up, post the shift. It will also bring in technology like automatic evasive steering, automated parking and a host of driver aids that aren’t even available on the S-class.
When: February 28, 2017
Price: ₹55- 70 lakh
Engines: 2.0 P, 3.0 D
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, i.e. 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol and diesel units.
When: March 2017
Price: ₹4.5-7 lakh
Engine: 1.0 P, 1.0 D
Porsche Panamera
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 then a line-up of lower petrol and diesel variants will follow it before the year ends. It will be launched with a 550hp 4.0-litre petrol-powered engine. Next year, Porsche is likely to launch a hybrid version of the Panamera. The new car is lighter than the old car despite being bigger, thanks to its aluminium-heavy modular framework. It also looks much more athletic than the last car. The luxuriously finished wood and leather interior comes with a touch-sensitive centre console, two hi-res 7.0-inch displays in the instrument binnacle, and also a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
When: March 2017
Price: ₹2 crore
Engines: 4.0 P
Tata Kite 5
The Kite 5 will share many 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 later an AMT is expected as well. It will also receive the same interior, infotainment and safety features like the Tiago. A major plus with the Kite 5 is expected to be its class-leading 420-litre boot. It is expected that the Kite 5 will slot in below the Zest in Tata’s line-up. It will arrive later in the year.
When: Mid 2017
Price: ₹4-6.5 lakh
Engines: 1.2 P, 1.05 D
Audi S5 Sportback
If you’ve always wanted the practicality of the Audi A4 in a sexier body, this is the car for you. The second-gen S5 Sportback even comes with an engine that’s more potent than that on the current S5 – a 354hp 3.0-litre turbo-petrol. It also gets loaded with tech, is superbly appointed, has spacious interior, and a 480-litre boot.
When: Mid 2017
Price: ₹65 lakh
Engine: 3.0 P
Toyota Vios
The Honda City will finally get a rival from Toyota. The Vios looks more exciting than the Etios and borrows styling from the Corolla Altis. Its interiors are spacious and get features like climate control, steering-mounted audio controls, and a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. ABS, airbags and ESP are expected to come as standard. It is likely to be powered by retuned versions of the Etios’ 1.5-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engine.
When: Mid 2017
Price: ₹8-10 lakh
Engines: 1.5 P, 1.4 D
Toyota Prius
The latest-gen Toyota Prius is said to be more efficient and much more exciting than the current model. Its 1.8-litre petrol motor will be more efficient than before and its electric motor will be a newer, more compact one. The new Prius, built on Toyota’s new modular architecture is better to drive than its predecessor. Expect it to arrive with a hefty price tag of about Rs 40 lakh.
When: 2017
Price: ₹40 lakh
Engine: 1.8 P + electric
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 156hp 1.4-litre TSI petrol motor or a 2.0-litre TDI diesel motor, with both mated to automatic transmissions. The plug-in hybrid version, the Passat GTE, is likely sell in limited numbers; its claimed 50km electric range should serve it well. It produces a combined 218hp and 400Nm, but the GTE is expected to cost Rs 40 lakh. Initially, it will be launched with a 1.8-litre petrol and hybrid powertrain, and the 2.0-litre diesel-powered variants will arrive later.
When: 2017
Price: ₹30-40 lakh
Engines: 1.8 P, 1.4 P + electric, 2.0 D
Hyundai Verna
Hyundai will be bringing in a new version of its Verna that’s longer, wider, lower and more spacious than the current one. It follows the Fluidic 2.0 design philosophy and has a big hexagonal grille like the Elantra. On the inside, it gets a neat centre console, a touchscreen, steering-mounted controls for audio and Bluetooth connectivity, climate control and push-button start. Higher trims are expected to get bigger alloys and a sunroof. While the current 1.4- and 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines are expected to continue, it will also get a mild-hybrid system like Maruti’s SHVS system.
When: Late 2017
Price: ₹8-10 lakh
Engines: 1.4 P, 1.6 P, 1.4 D, 1.6 D
Audi A8
Inspired by the futuristic Prologue concept, Audi’s next-gen A8 should raise the bar for luxury sedans. On the inside is a virtual dashboard, with all functions controlled by three customisable screens — a digital instrument cluster, a 14.1-inch central touchscreen and a smaller unit for the air con controls.
A 4.0-litre V8, a 6.3-litre petrol, a 3.0-litre diesel, a more potent 4.0-litre V8 diesel with the electric supercharging tech from the SQ7, and even a hybrid powertrain are expected to be the engine options available. A 190hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel for entry-level variants may come to India.
When: Late 2017
Price: ₹1.2-2 crore
Engines: 3.0 P, 3.0 D, 4.0 P, 4.0 D
BMW 5-series
The all-new 5-series gets an aluminium-intensive construction like the 7-series that makes it about 100kg lighter than the current car; this improves fuel efficiency. It’s slightly longer, wider and taller as well. The resulting extra space has been added to the rear legroom. The new 5-series is more comfortable and loaded with autonomous driving aids like steering and lane control assist and crossroads warning. But these aids won’t make it to India. However, features like gesture control and voice command-enabled iDrive infotainment system will make it.
When: Late 2017
Price: ₹55-65 lakh
Engines: 2.0 P, 2.0 D, 3.0 D
Chevrolet Cruze
The new Cruze is completely different from the car currently on sale in India. It looks aggressive, with a swept-back coupé-like silhouette and is shod with 17-inch wheels. It’s lighter, larger and more spacious. The cabin is upmarket and loaded with high-quality materials. The top trims should get toys like a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 4G compatibility, in-car Wi-Fi Hotspot connectivity, wireless phone charging and heated leather seats. A 1.6-litre turbo-diesel is expected to replace the current 166hp 2.0-litre diesel engine. It is slightly down on power but is more efficient. A 155hp, 1.4-litre, direct-injection turbo-petrol is also likely.
When: End 2017
Price: ₹12-15 lakh
Engines: 1.4 P, 1.6 D
Hyundai Ioniq
Hyundai’s hybrid is available for international markets with three powertrains – an all-electric, a regular hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The plug-in hybrid is being considered for India. Its 50km range means you would theoretically never need fossil fuel if your commutes are short enough. Just plug it into any regular socket and you’ll be good. For long-distance driving, switch to the 105hp 1.6-litre petrol, coupled with a six-speed dual-clutch auto that works in conjunction with the electric motor. A low drag coefficient and aero-efficient wheels, that hep it cut through the air better, make it more efficient. Whether it will be accepted in India is anyone’s guess.
When: Early 2018
Price: Rs ₹45-50 lakh
Engine: 1.6 + electric