Hot car launches in the last 3 months!

In the last three months, demand for cars has slowed down, but that didn’t stop carmakers from launching new models. The Indian car market saw some good new products in different segments such as hatchbacks, MPVs, premium SUVs and sedans. There were a couple of limited edition models as well. Here’s a quick look at the cars launched in the last three months.

Audi Q3

(June 6^th, 2012)

Audi launched the Q3, its smallest offering in the SUV segment and is priced at Rs. 26.21 lakh for the base variant and Rs. 31.49 lakh for the top-end variant. The Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel motor that puts out 177 Bhp of power and has a Quattro all-wheel-drive system making it a capable off-roader. The Q3 petrol is expected to be offered later.

The Q3 is squarely aimed at the BMW X1 which is priced between Rs. 22.40 lakh and Rs. 30.40 lakh. The Q3, because of its all-wheel-drive system, has an edge over the X1. Also read: Audi Q3 launched

Toyota Corolla Altis Aero

(June 5^, 2012)

Toyota launched the Corolla Altis Aero limited edition to celebrate the car’s 10^th anniversary in the Indian market. The Altis Aero is offered only in the 1.8-litre petrol version and is priced at Rs. 11.47 lakh, which is Rs.47,000 more than the Altis J variant. Only 500 units of the Altis Aero will be available until September 2012.

The Altis Aero comes with new front and rear bumpers, trunk spoiler with LED lights, chrome finish exhaust, smoked halogen headlamps, smoked rear combination lamps, 7-spoke alloy wheels, and ‘Aero’ badge. The limited edition also gets dual tone seats. Also read: Altis Aero launched

Fiat Punto Sport

(May 21^, 2012)

Fiat launched the Punto Sport based on the Punto 90 HP variant. The Punto Sport is powered by a 1.3-litre 91.7 Bhp motor, whereas the regular Punto diesel is powered by a 1.3-litre 75 Bhp motor. The Punto 90 HP returns a claimed mileage of 20.5 Kmpl. Expect the Punto Sport to offer better pick up and performance than the regular Punto.

Visually, the Punto Sport has unique elements such as chrome exhaust tips, chrome exterior door handles, sport decals and metallic pedals. The Punto Sport is offered only in three colors: Bossa Nova White, Exotica Red and Hip Hop Black. Also read: Punto Sport launched

Mercedes-Benz M-Class

(May 15^th, 2012)

Mercedes-Benz launched the new M-Class with prices starting at Rs. 56.9 lakh for the ML350 CDI variant and Rs.66 lakh for the AMG limited edition. The M-Class looks sharper and more elegant than the earlier model. The ML350 is powered by a 3-litre motor that puts out 258 Bhp of power and is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The ML350 can achieve a top speed of 224 Kmph and can accelerate from 0 – 100 Kmph in 7.4 seconds.

The new M-Class has host of comfort features including memory seats, thermotronic auto climate control, media interface and airmatic suspension. The M-Class competes with the Audi Q7 and BMW X5. Also read: New M-Class launched

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

(April 12^th, 2012)

Maruti Suzuki launched the Ertiga in April, priced between Rs. 5.89 lakh and Rs. 8.45 lakh. The Ertiga was an instant hit as Maruti Suzuki registered more than 32,000 bookings within the first month of its launch. Also read: Ertiga clocks 32,000 bookings

The Ertiga commands a long waiting period and particularly, the top-end variant has up to nine months waiting in some metros such as New Delhi and Chennai. Also read: Waiting period of Ertiga

Hyundai i-Gen i20

(March 29, 2012)

Hyundai launched the i20 with cosmetic upgrades, bringing in its fluidic design theme and grey-beige interiors. The new i20 also comes with features such as a reverse parking camera, electric folding and heated outside mirrors, rear disc brakes, auto headlights and push-button start.

The i20 is available in Era, Magna, Magna (O), Sportz and Asta variants for both petrol and diesel versions. The i20 petrol in addition gets Asta (O) and Sportz AT (automatic) variants. The i20 is priced in the range of Rs. 4.73 lakh – Rs. 7.67 lakh for the petrol variants and Rs. 5.96 lakh – Rs. 7.44 lakh for the diesel variants. Also read: new i20 launched

Hyundai Sonata

(March 23, 2012)

Hyundai launched the third generation Sonata which is priced at Rs. 18.62 lakh for the petrol manual variant and Rs. 20.61 lakh for the petrol automatic variant. Sonata is not offered in diesel at the moment. The Sonata is a luxurious cruiser and has a lot of features such as six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), auto headlights, leather upholstery, dual zone automatic climate control, ABS with EBD, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and rear view camera. What makes the Sonata attractive is its price. The Sonata is Rs. 1.77 lakh cheaper than the Honda Accord and also Rs. 1 lakh cheaper than the Skoda Superb Elegance variant. Also read: Sonata launched