Mahindra Mini-Xylo (sub-4 metres)
The Reva NXR seems to have become a permanent fixture on our annual new car list. We expect the car to finally hit Indian roads this year. A three-door, four-seater family hatchback, the car will be sold in two versions – the NXR City and the NXR. The cheaper NXR City that comes with a lead acid battery has a range of 80km per charge while its 80kph top speed should help it keep up with traffic. More powerful lithium ion batteries, a range of 160km per charge and a claimed top speed of 104kph makes the NXR the more practical of the two, but it will also be the more expensive variant. Trouble is where are the charging points?
Factfile:
The Korando is the first SsangYong product Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) will be launching in India after its acquisition of the Korean company earlier this year. The Korando may not break new ground in terms of styling but it is quite a smart SUV. Although strictly a five-seater, its spacious interiors will work to its favour. Interior quality is far superior to all Mahindras so far, and rightfully the Korando will be positioned above M&M’s own SUV line-up.
The Korando features a monocoque chassis (a first for SsangYong) but from our drive earlier in the year (January 2011) we can tell you the SUV’s dynamics are just about average.
A 173bhp, 2-litre turbo-diesel will power the Korando. Pricing will be competitive with an expected base price of Rs 15 lakh when the car goes on sale in early-2012.
Factfile:
New Hyundai Sonata
The current-gen Sonata Transform failed to strike the right chord with customers. Hyundai wants to change that with this all-new car that is also known as the i45 in some markets.
The new Sonata’s swoopy lines make this the best-looking Hyundai to date and give the car real presence. The story is no different on the inside either. The cockpit-themed interiors look really sporty and importantly there is acres of space, especially at the back.
We expect three engine options for the car – a 2-litre petrol, a 2.4-litre direct injection petrol and possibly a 2.2-litre diesel. Enthusiasts may be disappointed by the car’s dynamics but as a comfy saloon, the new Sonata should work just fine.
Factfile:
Remove the Hyundai badge on the grille and you’ll be convinced you’re looking at a European car. It’s this image which the Korean carmaker reckons will translate into strong sales for its stylish Civic challenger. The design is modern Hyundai with the Elantra’s smooth lines flowing into each other yet managing to lend the car an aggressive look. Again, interior styling is far from ordinary with a striking fascia that is dominated by a multimedia screen. Smart packaging means space should be as good or perhaps better than the competition. Engines should include a 147bhp, 1.8-litre petrol and a new 1.8-litre diesel. In typical Hyundai fashion, the saloon should come very well specced so the Elantra will impress on the VFM scale too.
Factfile:
Please come back tomorrow to read more!
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 1
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 2
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 3
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 5
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 6
The government’s small car excise rebate regulations have seriously brought out the creative side of Indian engineers. The Mini-Xylo illustrated here is a fine example of this ingenuity. Built on a shortened Xylo chassis, the UV gets a redesigned tail with a shorter rear overhang to help keep length under the crucial four-metre mark. As a result, the Mini-Xylo will almost definitely lose the third row of seats. Elements like the dashboard and interior trim are likely to be carried over from the standard Xylo. With an engine cap of 1.5 litres for diesel small cars, the Mini-Xylo will use a three-cylinder version of the larger Xylo’s 2.5-litre engine. Bore and stroke will also be reduced to keep displacement under 1500cc. Four-wheel drive will be an option too on the Mini-Xylo.
Likely to be priced between Rs 4-5 lakh, this car could give hatchbacks a run for their money.
A lot depends on how it’s positioned, though.
Likely to be priced between Rs 4-5 lakh, this car could give hatchbacks a run for their money.
A lot depends on how it’s positioned, though.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 4-5 lakh
Mahindra Verito (sub-4 metres)
Another addition to the sub-four-metre brigade will be the shortened Mahindra Verito. To do so, Mahindra engineers have chopped off a large chunk of the boot section but we hear that the redesign works well. Spacious interiors, solid build and a proven diesel engine come together to make this a sensible ‘small car’ to buy. Expect keen pricing when the smaller Verito goes on sale this December.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 65bhp/16.3kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2011
Price: Rs 4.8 lakh
Mahindra-Ssangyong Rexton II
Mahindra will follow up the Korando with another SUV from the Ssangyong stable — the Rexton II. Briefly put, the SUV is based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz M- class and can seat seven passengers.
Power is courtesy a 161bhp, 2.7-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. An old-school body-on-frame chassis means it won’t be the most exciting car to drive but permanent all-wheel drive and a high ground clearance should give it good off-road capabilities.
M&M will assemble the Rexton at its Chakan plant and is likely to price the big SUV close to rivals like the Toyota Fortuner.
Factfile:
Power/Torque: 161bhp/34.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1966-2101kg
L/W/H: 4720/1870/1760mm
Expected: Late-2012
Price: Rs 19-21 lakh
Mahindra Reva NXR
Factfile:
Engine: Electric motor
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: 900kg/850kg (NXR)
L/W/H: NA
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 3.5-4.5 lakh
Mahindra-Ssangyong KorandoThe Korando features a monocoque chassis (a first for SsangYong) but from our drive earlier in the year (January 2011) we can tell you the SUV’s dynamics are just about average.
A 173bhp, 2-litre turbo-diesel will power the Korando. Pricing will be competitive with an expected base price of Rs 15 lakh when the car goes on sale in early-2012.
Factfile:
Engine: 2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 173bhp/36.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1672-1692kg
L/W/H: 4410/1830/1675mm
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 15-17 lakh
The new Sonata’s swoopy lines make this the best-looking Hyundai to date and give the car real presence. The story is no different on the inside either. The cockpit-themed interiors look really sporty and importantly there is acres of space, especially at the back.
We expect three engine options for the car – a 2-litre petrol, a 2.4-litre direct injection petrol and possibly a 2.2-litre diesel. Enthusiasts may be disappointed by the car’s dynamics but as a comfy saloon, the new Sonata should work just fine.
Factfile:
Engines: 2-litre petrol, 2.4-litre petrol, 2.2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 162bhp/20.2kgm,
198bhp/25.4kgm, 194bhp/44.4kgm
Kerb weight: 1479-1528kg
L/W/H: 4820/1835/1470mm
Expected: Early 2012
Price: Rs 16-18 lakh
New Hyundai Elantra
Factfile:
Engines: 1.8-litre petrol,
1.8-litre diesel
Power/Torque:147bhp/18.2kgm,
140bhp/NA
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: 4530/1775/1445mm
Expected: June 2012
Price: Rs 12-15 lakh
Please come back tomorrow to read more!
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 1
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 2
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 3
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 5
50 New cars for 2012 - Part 6
Source: www.autocarindia.com
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