Five cars from 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show that are headed to India

The 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) has opened its doors for the press. We take a look at five important cars that are headed to India. Also a word of caution, don’t mind if this turns into a multi-instalment story, because there are a lot of interesting and relevant cars being showcased. Off to the first five, then:

Suzuki Baleno

Image courtesy: NDTV

Also known as Maruti YRA (codename), the premium hatchback was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show today. It’s going to be positioned above the Swift, and its production is reported to have begun at Maruti Suzuki’s plant in India already. GaadiWaadi believes a launch is likely to happen on the 26th of next month.

The new Baleno is 3,995mm long, 1,745mm wide, and 1,470mm tall. Engine options for the European market include a newly developed 1-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and a smart hybrid equipped 1.2-litre diesel unit. In India, the car is likely to be offered with a 1.3-litre Fiat sourced diesel engine, likely with the same hybrid tech. as the Ciaz SHVS.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The second generation VW Tiguan was also unveiled during the VW Night on the eve of the Frankfurt Motor Show. It’s the first MQB-based SUV in Volkswagen’s line up. MQB is VW Group’s versatile (and lightweight) platform that underpins cars like the Audi A3, Skoda Octavia, etc.

While the styling is familiar VW affair but it’s striking to say the least. Powertrain choices vary from 125PS to 240PS, and an all-wheel drive 4MOTION system will also be present, although base models are likely to be front-wheel drive only. In terms of dimensions, the Tiguan measures 4,485mm in length, 1839mm in width, and 1633mm in height.

Audi A4

Another product from VW Group, the new A4 will also be present at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Since the outgoing car is one of the most popular Audi products in India, the German manufacturer isn’t going to delay the next generation A4 to the country.

Lighter by the outgoing version (by up to 120kg), the A4 is slightly roomier on the inside, too. Engine options are likely to continue as before while the sporting Audi S4 has also been unveiled. It comes with a 350hp V6 and quattro AWD system.

BMW X1

The first front-wheel drive BMW from its ‘X’ range, the next generation X1, is also showcased at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show. By changing the drivetrain layout, the engineers have now made the X1 more spacious while the designers have made it look bigger, which isn’t a bad thing especially when we talk of SUVs.

There will be all-wheel drive versions, too, and this one’s more spacious than before. It goes on sale later in certain markets later this year while its availability in India is expected to begin in 2016.

Jaguar F-Pace

Want a premium SUV from JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) but not a Range Rover, well here’s the Jaguar F-Pace for you. The luxury SUV will be available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, none of which cross the 2-tonne weight barrier, which is a good thing, all thanks to the lightweight aluminium construction.

It will come in both diesel and petrol engine options, and the same goes for manual and automatic gearboxes. India is an important market for the brand, and the F-Pace won’t look out of place in the crossover obsessed market of ours.