50 new cars for 2012
‘What’s when?’ is the most common question asked us at Autocar India. We get a huge number of mails everyday from readers wanting to know what’s coming in the near and not-too-distant future, and that’s understandable. In our ever-changing market, you really need to be on top of model upgrades and new car launches, especially if you are about to sign a considerable amount of your savings on an all-new car.
The last thing you want is to see a new and superior model out on the roads, soon after you’ve spent your hard-earned money on a car that could be quickly outdated. So, to keep you in the know, straight from our confidential files, an almost complete list of new cars manufacturers are planning to put on sale in India this year.
Tata Safari Storme
It may be long in the tooth now but Tata Motors hasn’t given up on the Safari just yet. The big Tata is to receive a major update in early 2012. Styling changes are focused largely on the front and include striking new L-shaped headlights and a more pronounced front bumper. Interior quality should be similar to the more expensive Tata Aria and equipment levels could be enhanced as well. The biggest change though will be under the skin with the new Safari set to adopt Tata’s new X2 platform that debuted on the Aria. Shortened to the Safari’s 2650mm wheelbase, the X2 will change the way the Safari drives and ride, handling and noise insulation should see a marked improvement. The 140bhp 2.2 DiCOR diesel engine will power the new model but will be substantially worked on to improve refinement. Expect the updated Safari to bear a price tag of around Rs 11 lakh.
Factfile:
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 140bhp/32.6kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 11 lakh
New Toyota Camry
Toyota has played it safe with the Camry’s styling for far too long. However, the 2012 Camry to be launched at the Auto Expo is bolder than ever before. The lines have a hint of Lexus to them and the interiors look more luxurious too. Toyota also claims there’s more space inside. We expect Toyota to replace the current 2.4-litre VVT-i engine with the newer 2.5-litre VVT-i motor. Power output increases by a mere 2bhp to 167bhp though refinement levels should improve further. In addition, the new engine could come mated to new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The big news is that Toyota plans to assemble the Camry from CKD kits at its Bidadi plant which translates to more competitive pricing. The Camry clearly has the Honda Accord in its crosshairs. The lack of a diesel engine will remain the Camry’s Achilles’ heel, though.
Factfile:
Engine: 2.5-litre-petrol
Power/Torque: 167bhp/23kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 20 lakh
Toyota Fortuner face-lift
Big, macho and reliable, the Fortuner has been a runaway success right from day one. Cosmetic updates coming soon will ensure the Fortuner maintains this popularity. Going by changes to the Thai model, the SUV’s chrome front grille will grow in width and the headlights will be new too. A restyled front bumper and larger air-intake scoop on the bonnet add to the new Fortuner’s mini-Land Cruiser looks. Clear-lens tail-lamps will be the only changes to the Fortuner’s rear while the interiors will receive darker faux wood detailing. The trusty 3-litre D-4D diesel will continue but there is a possibility of an automatic transmission being added to the Fortuner line-up. We’ll know soon enough as the updated Fortuner will be launched at the Auto Expo in January 2012.
Factfile:
Engine: 3-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 168bhp/35kgm
Kerb weight: 1955kg
L/W/H: 4695/1840/1850mm
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 22 lakh
Toyota Innova face-lift
Toyota’s third launch at Auto Expo 2012 will be the face-lifted Innova. The MPV gets a substantially redesigned front with a more upright grille that comes flanked by new headlights that now stretch over the fenders. Heavily modified bumpers, a new rear numberplate section and re-profiled tail-lamps are other elements of the revamp. Only minimal changes can be expected on the interiors which could include the addition of a new audio system and different upholstery. The changes are largely intended to make the Innova more attractive to private car buyers. Much of the Innova’s success so far can be attributed to its popularity in the tour and taxi market. A small upward price revision is likely to accompany this new launch.
Factfile:
Engines: 2-litre petrol, 2.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 136bhp/18.6kgm, 102bhp/20.4kgm
Kerb weight: 1520-1590kg
L/W/H: 4580/1770/1755mm
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 10-15 lakh
New Volkswagen Beetle
The latest Beetle has grown up, both in appearance and size. It retains many elements of the previous model and continues to look like an iteration of the original design classic. The interiors lose the flower vase now but the upward-opening glovebox does add a hint of vintage Beetle to the new dashboard. There is more space than before too. India should get the 158bhp, 1.4-litre petrol engine and VW could import the Beetle with the 138bhp, 2-litre diesel too.
The Beetle is more a designer accessory than a rival to conventional hatchbacks, so expect heavyweight pricing for this small car when it’s launched in late 2012.
Factfile:
Engines: 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, 2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 158bhp/24.5kgm,
138bhp/32.6kgm
Kerb weight: 1360kg
L/W/H: 4278/2021/2048
Expected: Late-2012
Price: Rs 25 lakh
New Volkswagen Touareg
There is an understated elegance to the Touareg that Volkswagen hopes Indian buyers will appreciate. The sober cousin of the Porsche Cayenne, the Touareg will be launched at the Auto Expo 2012 and prices are likely to start at Rs 55 lakh. You can identify the Touareg as a VW from a mile away and the styling on the whole is quite handsome. There is an abundance of space inside and quality should conform to VW’s global standards. India is likely to receive a 3-litre diesel engine. Additionally, VW could bring a 3-litre petrol-electric hybrid to promote its green credentials. Question is, will you pay so much for a VW?
Factfile:
Engines: 3-litre diesel V6,
3-litre petrol hybrid
Power/Torque: 205bhp/40.8kgm,
380bhp (including 46bhp electric)/59.1kgm
Kerb weight: 2297-2315kg
L/W/H: 4795/1940/1709mm
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 55 lakh
Please come back tomorrow to read more!
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 2
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 3
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 4
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 5
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 6
Source: www.autocarindia.com
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