New car launches around the corner
13th Oct 2017 4:25 pm
Here's a look at some of the new car launches and unveilings in the coming months.
2017 has been a happening year so far with a slew of cars from Indian and international manufacturers alike. We've got everyday heroes like the Dzire and Ignis, the Octavia and its double-horned brother the Octavia RS, the all-new 5 Series from BMW, Merc's lounge-level E-Class LWB, Land Rover's gargantuan Discovery, the facelifted Maruti S-Cross, Skoda's first SUV, the Kodiaq, and so much more. But the year is far from over, and in the coming months until we big 2017 goodbye, expect a solid handful of new launches:
Renault Captur (October 2017)
Expected to hit showrooms this festive season, Renault’s Captur is based on the Duster’s M0 platform and will be positioned above it in the French manufacturer’s India portfolio. The crossover will be powered by the familiar K9K 1.5-litre diesel engine and the Duster’s new 1.5-litre petrol unit. Both engines will be mated to a manual transmission, though there are talks of 4WD and automatic gearbox options to be added to the line-up later. The Captur will face-off against Hyundai’s Creta.
Also read: India-spec Renault Captur details revealed
Ford EcoSport facelift
Ford gave the EcoSport a comprehensive makeover prior to the LA motor show late last year. Cosmetic changes to the EcoSport include a new front fascia and a heavily revised cabin. The international model missed the tailgate-mounted spare wheel, though, for India, this design element will carry forward with the new SUV. Inside, there is a new dashboard that now houses a large, centrally located touchscreen infotainment system. For India, the facelifted EcoSport is expected to carry forward using the existing 1.0-litre EcoBoost and the 1.5-litre diesel engines, though a new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine from Ford’s Dragon series of motors will replace the current petrol mill. While it gets an all-wheel drive in international markets, the feature is unlikely to be offered in India. Expect a launch near the festive season.
Land Rover Range Rover Velar (November 2017)
The sporty Range Rover Velar is expected to launch as a CBU during the festive season. The Velar will be powered by a 250hp 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol and a 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel in 180hp or 240hp states of tune. A standard ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic is paired with each engine and delivers power to all-four-wheels.
Also read: 2017 Range Rover Velar to be priced from Rs 75 lakh
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi is set to expand its model line-up in the country with the launch of the new Outlander. Set to be launched in the coming months, the Outlander will be available as a petrol-only model and will be imported as a CBU. Powering the SUV will be a 169hp, 2.4-litre petrol engine paired with a CVT gearbox and Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control four-wheel-drive system.
Also read: 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander India launch soon
Mahindra Scorpio facelift
Mahindra has begun testing a facelift for the Scorpio ahead of its expected launch in the second half of the year. Apart from updated styling, the refreshed SUV will also get mechanical updates with the 2.2-litre diesel engine set to receive a bump up in power from the current 120hp to 140hp. Spy shots of test mules indicate that most of the changes to the car will happen up front and to the rear, with little to no change on body panels elsewhere. There are yet no details about changes to the cabin, though we could expect Mahindra to revise the equipment list along with some revised switchgear. The facelift version may come with the 2.2-litre petrol engine under development, depending on market response to the motor that will debut in the XUV500.
Also read: Mahindra Scorpio facelift to get new 6-speed automatic
Mahindra Scorpio facelift could miss out on hybrid tech
Refreshed Mahindra XUV500
Mahindra is also lining up a second update for the XUV500. Facelifted in 2015, the XUV500 will receive a mild facelift along with an updated diesel engine. As with the Scorpio, the XUV500's 2.2 diesel unit will also get a bump up in power – up by 30hp from 140hp to 170hp. Apart from the engine, expect minor tweaks to styling inside and out. Mahindra is also currently testing a 2.2-litre petrol engine based on the mHawk diesel motor’s engine block that is expected after the launch of the facelift.
Also read: Mahindra XUV500 to get a bump in power output
SCOOP! Mahindra XUV500 2.2 petrol in the works
New Maruti Suzuki Swift
Suzuki pulled the covers off the new Swift post-Christmas last year, with the model set to hit international markets during the course of 2017. For India, Maruti is currently testing the new third-gen model for a launch in 2018. The car for India is expected to carry forward using the current crop of 1.2-litre and 1.3-litre petrol and diesel engines, though, unlike its international counterpart, is expected to get a new interior, specifically for the country. The model will make its India debut at the Auto Expo 2018.
Also read: New 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift: A close look
Hyundai i20 facelift
Hyundai has begun testing the i20 facelift on Indian roads, ahead of a possible launch sometime early next year. The refreshed hatchback is set to follow Hyundai's latest design language, with a more prominent grille up front and changes to the rear. Under the hood, the existing engines are expected to carry forward, with a new 1.0-litre turbo-petrol also likely to join the line-up.
Also read: SCOOP! Hyundai i20 facelift spied
Ford Figo, Aspire facelift (2018)
As part of its mid-cycle refresh, Ford will update its Figo hatchback and Aspire compact sedan with some cosmetic changes outside and inside. The highlight of the facelift will be the introduction of the all-new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine from Ford’s new Dragon series of petrol motors that will replace the current 1.2-litre, four-cylinder Sigma petrol mill. A 1.5-litre petrol Dragon engine will make its first appearance in the facelifted EcoSport.
Also read: Ford Figo, Aspire facelifts coming next year