3 exciting car & SUV launches in the next 10 days, starting today

The festive season is in full swing and so are the car and SUV launches to keep up with buyers’ enthusiasm. Over the next 10 days, 3 new cars and SUVs will be launched in India. CarToq takes a quick look at what’s coming up, and the price levels at which these new vehicles will be launched.

Fiat Punto Abarth

Later today, Fiat will launch the Punto Abarth, the most powerful “affordable” hatchback in the country. The Italian automaker’s been stressing on the affordability and performance quotients of its new offering, putting out full page newspaper ads announcing the Punto Abarth’s arrival. A claimed 0-100 Kph sprint timing of 8.8 seconds is a segment leading number, and if Fiat can indeed price the car within 10 lakh rupees, it should have enthusiasts queuing up at Abarth dealerships. The car gets a 1.4 liter T-Jet turbo petrol engine outputting 145 Bhp-212 Nm, disc brakes on all 4 wheels, ABS and twin airbags as standard, stiffened suspension and a lowered body. Visual tweaks make the Abarth edition of the Punto stand out from the regular ones.

Also see – Fiat Punto Abarth, and why it’s the mightiest hatchback in India

Chevrolet Trailblazer

The big, butch Chevrolet Trailblazer will soon be here. General Motors India is taking a unique initiative with this vehicle, by unveiling it online, on Amazon.in, on the 21st of October. While dealers will also be able to take bookings of the SUV from the 21st, the actual deliveries of the SUV will happen a few weeks later. The Trailblazer will arrive into India through the completely built unit (CBU) route. Based on the Chevrolet Colorado pick up truck platform, the ladder frame equipped Trailblazer will use a 2.8 liter Duramax turbo diesel engine, with 197 Bhp-500 Nm. Initially, a 6 speed automatic gearbox and a rear wheel drive layout will be offered on the Trailblazer. Prices of the 7 seat SUV are likely to start at a little under 30 lakh rupees.

Also see – Upcoming Luxury SUVs to watch out for

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The Baleno badge is coming back to India, on the 26th of October, in a new body style though. A premium hatchback from Maruti Suzuki, the new Baleno will sit above the Swift in terms of price and positioning. A starting price close to the 5 lakh rupee mark will pit the Baleno against the likes of the Honda Jazz and the Hyundai i20 Elite. The car will use the same petrol and diesel engines that are offered on the Swift, and the same 5 speed manual transmissions as well. A CVT automatic gearbox option will be offered on the petrol variants. The Baleno will be the first sub-10 lakh rupee hatchback in India to offer ABS and Airbags as standard fare, even on the base variants. Bookings of the car are now open at NEXA dealerships, from where this car will be sold.

Also see – All you need to know about the Maruti Baleno