5 New Car Launches in the next two weeks

With the festive season just around the corner, and carmakers ready to introduce some really interesting products, you’re going to see a lot of launch-related stories on CarToq. In this instalment, we take a look at five new cars coming in the next two weeks – the selection is quite wide, from high performance hatchbacks to premium SUVs, which means there’s going to be something for everyone.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga facelift

(Launch on October 15)

It’s been a long time coming, but the Ertiga facelift shall make it to the market this month, finally. Quite a popular car, this, but the facelift will widen its appeal, too, thanks to the diesel hybrid (SHVS – mild hybrid tech), while an optional automatic gearbox is also expected (on petrol). Being a facelift, the car will come with revisions made to the styling, while an updated interior (complete with push button start and SmartPlay infotainment system).

Maruti Baleno

(Launch on October 26)

Making a return to the Indian market, the Baleno isn’t what we’re used to. Instead it has transformed into a larger Swift and a little more. Positioned as a premium hatchback, the car will be sold via NEXA dealerships.

Engines are shared with the Swift, but what’s really worth noting is that, despite being larger and offering more premium-looking interior, the Baleno is about 75-100 kg lighter than the Swift. That should make it very interesting to drive, too. Also, decently specced, the car will come with ABS and airbags as part of the standard equipment, while top-spec version will come with the infotainment system running Apple CarPlay.

Fiat Abarth Punto Evo

(Launch on October 19)

Third hatchback on the list, but this one’s aimed squarely at the enthusiast. It will be the second Abarth-branded car in Fiat India’s line up, after the recently introduced Abarth 595 Competizione. Powering the car will be a 145PS-producing 1.4-litre T-Jet turbocharged petrol engine.

Apart from that, you’ll also get 16-inch wheels, Abarth logos all around, and of course, all the goodness that the standard Punto comes with. The crossover Avventura will also be available in Abarth flavour, too.

Chevrolet Trailblazer

(Launch on October 21)

Chevrolet Trailblazer will have an early bird advantage in the segment, but even without that, it looks like a pretty competent product. Powered by a 2.8-liltre engine, the Trailblazer will be priced in the Rs 25-30 lakh bracket.

The 2-tonne SUV will come with a segment-topping 231mm of ground clearance, and the ability to wade water up to 800mm deep. The seven-seater SUV will compete with other full-size SUVs in the segment like Toyota Fortuner, Ssangyong Rexton, Ford Endeavour (upcoming), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, etc.

Mercedes Benz GLE

(Launch on October 14)

The ML facelift, now known as GLE following Merc’s new nomenclature, will be here this month. The SUV will bring fresh styling, improvements made to the interior, and even Merc’s 9-speed gearbox.

Engine options are likely to remain unchanged, and thus there will only be diesel units. AWD will be standard on these, while a performance oriented AMG version should follow soon. Prices for the regular GLE are expected to remain in the Rs 55 to 70 lakh range.