8 hot new cars launching in the next 4 weeks

The festive season is just around the corner. Car makers are gearing up for a launch spree that’ll begin in days from now. August alone will see about 8 new cars being launched across multiple segments. Here’s the wrap.

Hyundai Elantra

23rd August is when the all-new, 6th generation Hyundai Elantra will land into India. The D-Segment sedan gets fresh styling and a more powerful, 149 Bhp 2.0 liter petrol engine. The petrol motor is also expected to be offered with a 7 speed twin clutch automatic gearbox, the first-ever on a Hyundai sold here. The diesel motor will remain the tried and tested 126 Bhp 1.6 liter turbocharged mill, with 6 speed manual and automatic gearbox options. Prices of the new Elantra are expected to be similar to the outgoing version.

Renault Kwid 1.0

Renault is prepping up a larger engined Kwid for the Indian market. The new petrol engine will continue featuring a 3 cylinder layout, but with a 1 liter displacement, and additional power and torque. The Kwid 1.0 is expected to be offered with a 5 speed manual gearbox as standard. This car will take on the likes of the Maruti Alto K10 and the Hyundai Eon 1.0.

Renault Kwid AMT

Another party trick up Renault’s sleeve this festive season is the Kwid AMT. The new 1.0 liter petrol motor will get the 5 speed AMT gearbox option as the smaller, 0.8 liter could prove to be too under-powered when used with an automatic gearbox. The Kwid 1.0 AMT will be the top-spec variant in the hatchback’s line up, and will take on the Maruti Alto K10 AMT.

Volkswagen Ameo Diesel

The diesel emissions scandal forced Volkswagen India to go slow on the Ameo Diesel’s launch. The wait is nearly over as the German automaker is all set to usher in the oil burning version of the Ameo compact sedan, which will hit the market later this month. The diesel powered car will use the 1.5 liter TDI turbocharged engine in 89 Bhp-230 Nm state of tune, and will be offered with 5 speed manual and 7 speed twin clutch automatic transmissions.

Audi A4

The all-new Audi A4 based on the MLB Evo platform will be launched in the next few weeks. And the car looks much sharper than the outgoing model. Looks apart, the new car will be larger and lighter, read quicker, more fuel efficient and more comfortable. The 2 liter EA288 turbo diesel engine (190 Bhp) is likely to bring in the meat of the sales while the 1.4 liter TSI turbocharged petrol engine will be a brand new motor in the A4 line up for India. The 2 liter petrol motor could also be offered. A 7 speed DSG twin clutch automatic gearbox is expected to accompany both motors.

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep will finally make its India foray in early September and the Wrangler will be the American SUV brand’s most recognizable vehicle. The Wrangler sold here will be offered with a 2.8 liter VM Motori turbo diesel motor that pushes out 197 Bhp-460 Nm. A 5 speed automatic gearbox will be standard, along with a four wheel drive layout and a decent set of safety features. Imported as a completely built unit, the Wrangler is expected to start from 50 lakh rupees. A petrol engine could be added later.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee will represent the luxury option in the Jeep line up for India. The SUV will seat 5 and will go against the Mercedes Benz GLE and Audi Q5 in terms of price and positioning. Expect a starting price of about 70 lakh rupees. The SUV will be offered with a 3 liter V6 turbo diesel engine that makes 240 Bhp-570 Nm. An 8 speed ZF automatic gearbox will be standard.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

 

The Grand Cherokee SRT is the higher performance Jeep that’s meant to rub shoulders with the likes of the Audi SQ7 and the Mercedes Benz GLS AMG. The SRT will be the first-ever vehicle to feature the 6.2 liter HEMI V8 petrol motor, putting out an impressive 482 Bhp-640 Nm and glugging petrol like it’s no one business. While at it, the SRT will take you on a 0-100 Kph trip in just 5 seconds. Asking price? A little over a crore.