Upcoming cars for the POWER hungry

We look at the new car launches that will make the power-hungry enthusiast happy. So if you’re in the market for a performance-oriented car but don’t want to splurge on a ridiculously expensive one, here’s your chance.

Renault Kwid 1-liter

Expected launch: July 2016

With an almost unexpected success by the smallest Renault on the market, it’s no surprise the Kwid is now getting ready to take the game further ahead. Next up on the target are cars like the Hyundai Eon and Maruti Alto K10, and the Kwid 1-liter will be soon take on them. Power and torque figures aren’t out yet, but considering the Kwid weighs less than the Alto, the Kwid 1.0-litre will statiate those looking for added performance. And to ensure it’s convenient to drive as well, there will be an optional AMT gearbox on offer as well.

Fiat Linea 125S

Expected launch: June-July 2016

Fiat’s always accused of not launching new products but to be honest the current range still offers a lot. So think of it as the last few upgrades the current Fiats are going to get. The Linea will have a new version, called the Linea 125S. The midsize sedan will be powered by a 1.4-liter T-Jet turbocharged engine (that makes 125PS in this state of tune) but will get aesthetic upgrades to differentiate itself from its regular versions. While the sublime handling makes it the clear choice for enthusiasts, it will also be the most powerful car in its segment.

Fiat Urban Cross

Expected launch: September-October 2016

The Urban Cross is based on the Fiat Avventura but sans the boot-mounted spare wheel. Unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo the car will use the same 140 PS urbo petrol engine as the Avventura Powered by Abarth and of course boast the same handling prowess as the other Puntos — except the Abarth Punto, which is in a different league altogether. Not only will it be the most powerful among crossover hatchbacks, alongside the Avventura (Abarth), if the company decides to get the showcar’s interior, it will also be the most premium-looking interior on a Fiat.

VW Polo GTI

Expected launch: September 2016

Volkswagen’s trump card in the hot hatchback game will be the Polo GTI. Based on the Polo but to be positioned as a premium offering, the car will be seen in a 3-door guise. Powering the GTI will be a 1.8-liter engine that makes 189 Bhp and 250 Nm of torque. And while the lowered Polo stance is still very good looking, it’s going to be the ability to overtake sportscars  (without breaking a sweat, mind!) that will make the GTI so very special.

Tata Hexa

Expected launch: September-October 2016

Tata Motors will be re-entering the premium crossover SUV segment with the Hexa. It’s miles ahead of the Aria that it replaces, both in terms of fit & finish and looks. To be powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine that makes 156 PS and 400 Nm, the Hexa will be a force to reckon with in the segment. And with a 6-speed manual, an optional 6-speed automatic, and an AWD system complete with the ability to change power delivery depending on the terrain, Hexa will have a lot to offer to a wide range of buyers, from city dwellers to adventure seekers.

Tata Nexon

Expected launch: 2017

Although late to the party, Tata Motors’ sub-compact SUV, the Nexon, will have a lot going for it. To start with, it has an almost-radical design that breaks free from Tata’s previous design trends. And with a new 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine that will make 110 PS and 260 Nm, the Nexon will have enough grunt (range-topping, no less!) to back its styling. The early images also suggest improved levels of quality and overall design on the inside, too. We can’t wait.

Maruti Baleno RS

Expected launch: September-October 2016

Maruti’s lightweight yet very promising weapon for the hot-hatchback market is headed to the dealerships later this year. The Baleno already enjoys a weight advantage (lack of weight) over its rivals and the new 1-liter turbocharged petrol ‘Boosterjet’ engine (that makes 110 PS-170 Nm) will ensure that the competition can’t sleep peacefully, either.

Tata Bolt Sport

Expected launch: Late 2016/Early 2017

Tata’s collaboration with JA Motorsport will yield performance-oriented products, and the first of them will be the Bolt Sport. The car will use a turbocharged petrol engine, essentially the same unit in the Bolt but in a higher state of tune, making 110 PS and 170 Nm of maximum torque. But that’s not all!

To ensure the chassis can handle the added power, the Bolt Sport will have an updated suspension, disc brakes on all four wheels, and larger wheels. As showcased in the past, the car can continue with an ’S’ badge instead of the regular Tata logo to denote that it’s more special and focussed. Apart from the tasteful bodykit, that is.