Chevrolet Cruze (upgraded)
Originally launched in 2009, Chevrolet’s stylish Cruze saloon is all set to get its first round of upgrades shortly. Firstly, the Cruze’s 2-litre, Z-series common-rail diesel engine will be updated and will now output an impressive 163bhp, a decent 13bhp more than the current engine. Torque will also increase, so performance will be even better than before. The updated Cruze may also feature subtle external styling tweaks.
On the inside, Chevrolet will be redesigning the rear seat to improve headroom, a small but important revision that would make the Cruze all the more attractive to chauffeur-driven saloon buyers.
Factfile:Engines: 2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA L/W/H: NA
New BMW 3-series
BMW’s big launch for 2012 will be the new 3-series. Codenamed the F30, it has been revealed recently with Indian sales to commence soon after right-hand-drive versions are made available towards the middle of 2012. The new 3-series is longer and wider and it bears a strong resemblance to the 5-series. The larger dimensions point to a roomier cabin, which addresses a major shortcoming on the current car. Engines are likely to be carried forward from the current model, albeit with improved efficiency and more power. BMW plans to set up an engine plant in India, which should allow the carmaker to price the Three more aggressively. Will BMW soften the new 3-series to enhance comfort or will the new car retain the current model’s thrilling driving dynamics? Time will tell.
Factfile:
Engines: 2-litre petrol, 3-litre petrol,2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2012 Price: Rs 22-35 lakh
Audi S6/S7/S8
Think of Audi’s ‘S’ cars as the sportier cousins of the normal line-up with the S variant’s more powerful engines and slightly extroverted design details being the key differentiators here. India will get the entire S range that includes the S4, S5, S6, S7 and S8 in 2012. The new S6 that was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show comes with a 414bhp, 4-litre twin-turbo V8. Performance will be entertaining, to say the least. Another new addition to the S line is the S8. Marrying sports car performance to limo-like luxury, the S8 shares its engine with the S6, but power is an even higher 513bhp. Pricing is yet not known, but expect these S cars to cost considerably more than the current range-topping variants for each model. However, the S5 will be a cheaper option to the more powerful RS5. S6 will spearhead Audi’s S line’s entry into India. S8 is sports car and limo rolled into one. . Sportier petrol S7 will join diesel A7 sibling.
Factfile:
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8.
Power/Torque: 414bhp/ 56.13kgm
Kerb weight: 1895kg
L/W/H: 4931/1874/NA mm
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 85 lakh
Audi Q3
It may look like a shrunken Q5, but Audi’s latest mini-SUV has a distinct personality of its own. When launched in mid-2012, the Q3 will be the most affordable Audi in India. However, there is nothing cheap about the Q3’s quality which is comparable to Audi’s line-up of saloons and larger SUVs. There is reasonable space for four adults inside while Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system should also ensure you can get a bit adventurous on weekend excursions. In India, the entry level, front-wheel-drive Q3 will be sold with a 176bhp, 2-litre turbo diesel which will form the majority of its sales. However, Audi will first launch the Q3 with four-wheel-drive or the Quattro system. A 211bhp 2-litre TFSI turbo-petrol engine will also be a part of the model mix. Prices are likely to start at Rs 25 lakh. We can’t wait!
Factfile:
Engines: 2-litre turbo-petrol, 2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 211bhp/30kgm,176bhp 38.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1565-1585kg
L/W/H: 4385/1831/1590mm
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 25-35 lakh
Audi A4 face-lift
The A4 will get a slight nip and tuck by end-2011. Expect A6-like tapering headlights, LED tail-lamps and restyled bumpers as also a new MMI multimedia interface. The engines should be carried over from the current car though the range-topping 3.2-litre FSI could be replaced by the A6’s smashing supercharged 3-litre V6 TFSI engine.
Factfile:Engines: 1.8-litre petrol, 2-litre petrol, 2-litre diesel, 3-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 160bhp/25.5kgm, 179bhp/32.6kgm,140bhp/32.6kgm, 240bhp/51kgm
Kerb weight: 1610kg
L/W/H: 4703/1826/1427mm
Expected: November 2011
Price: Rs 30-38 lakh
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