5 Car & SUV launches to look forward to in the next 1 month

With the festive season to get into full swing, automakers are preparing themselves for big launches. In the next one month, there will be a bunch of car and SUV launches that the car buyer can look forward to. Here’s a quick wrap on what to expect, when to expect and for how much.

Mahindra TUV300

The Mahindra TUV300 will be launched on the 10th of September. The compact SUV measures under 4 meters in length, is rear wheel driven and seats 7. New details state that the 1.5 liter triple cylinder turbo diesel engine powering this vehicle will put out 80 Bhp and 230 Nm. The butch looking TUV300, whose design is said to be inspired by a battle tank, will reportedly be sold in three variants. ABS and airbags will be standard on the top-end variant. Mahindra will load the TUV300 with a slew of features, from a reverse parking camera to an automated manual transmission, the new compact SUV is expected to be served up with a sharp price tag. Prices are likely to start from under 5 lakh rupees for the base variant.

Renault Kwid

The Kwid has already reached dealerships and will be launched in the coming weeks. The Renault budget hatchback’s calling card will be its butch styling. Comparisons have already been drawn, with prospective buyers likening the Kwid’s design to that of a baby Duster. The Kwid will be Renault’s least priced car, and one that’s extremely fuel efficient. With a 25 Kmpl mileage figure, the Renault hatchback will challenge the hegemony of the Maruti Alto 800. The car will eventually be available with an automated manual transmission but will start life in India with an 800cc-3 cylinder, 57 Bhp petrol engine and a 5 speed manual gearbox.

Ford Figo Hatchback

 

Keen to break away from the one trick pony, Ford is doing everything it can to diversify its volume selling cars. The Figo Aspire compact sedan is one such move, and August 2015 sales numbers reveal that the new offering has overtaken the Ecosport as Ford’s new best seller. Keen to keep the foot on the pedal, Ford will soon launch the Figo hatchback, which will replace its namesake. A new generation model, the new Figo will mimic the styling of the Aspire, and will also borrow engines and transmissions. With a more modern exterior than its predecessor, the new Figo seems designed to appeal to younger car buyers. If the Aspire’s sharp pricing is anything to go by, a competitive price tag for the Figo hatchback could really get Ford into the thick of things as far as numbers go.

Fiat Punto Abarth

Fiat wants to make yet another splash in India, and this time it’s with a hot hatchback that’s got every enthusiast talking. The Punto Abarth is a 145 Bhp hatchback, which in all likelihood will sit under the 10 lakh rupee mark. This kind of price to performance has never been seen before. And Fiat could shock and awe those who like living in the fast lane. The Punto Abarth is the first budget hatchback in India to do the 0-100 Kph run in under 10 seconds. The car gets lowered suspension, a stiffer suspension set up, four disc brakes on all wheels, and styling that announces the Abarth lineage. The Punto Abarth has begun reaching Fiat dealerships. The car will be launched in the coming weeks.

Chevrolet Trailblazer

The big, butch Chevrolet Trailblazer is a month away from launch in India. The luxury SUV seats 7 and will be General Motors’ second offering in this space. The Trailblazer will be imported as completely built unit (CBU) from Thailand, and price indications reveal that it’ll cost about 30 lakh rupees. A 2.8 liter turbo diesel engine with 200 Bhp and 500 Nm on tap will power this SUV, which is likely to be sold in a rear wheel drive layout, with a 6 speed automatic gearbox to handle torque transfer functions. Larger than its competition, the Trailblazer will be aimed at those seeking convenience in a massive package.