Three promised cars of 2012 that did not launch

At the beginning of 2012, there were a whole host of cars and SUVs that were promised to be launched during the year. Most of them launched on schedule or perhaps a few months off, but have been launched.

However, there are a few that were confirmed to be rolled out during the year, but so far have not been launched. Let’s look at three of the most-awaited, significant launches that did not take place this year. Also see: Upcoming cars for 2013

 

Mahindra E20

The Mahindra Reva NXR has been renamed as the Mahindra E2O (ee-two-oh) in keeping with Mahindra’s fetish for naming all their new vehicles with names ending in O. It’s most recent launch being the Mahindra Quanto. The E2O was to be Mahindra new electric vehicle offering in the Indian market that would compete with regular hatchbacks such as the Hyundai i10 and Maruti Wagon-R, at about 1/10^th the running cost.

The E20 has been spotted testing on several occasions and was scheduled for an October 2012 launch, which has since been delayed. The E20 promises a range of 120 km on a single charge, with a 15 minute quick charge capable of powering it for 25 km. It can seat four adults comfortably and comes with a host of gizmos such as an app for your smartphone that will allow you to control a host of cars functions. It also has a solar trickle charger, allowing it to slowly charge the battery if the car is parked in the sun. The E20 was expected to be launched at a price point of just under Rs. 5 lakh – and would be an efficient city car, not to mention environment-friendly. Also read: Exclusive spy shots of Mahindra Reva NXR (E20)

Chevrolet Enjoy

The Chevrolet Enjoy was scheduled for a November 2012 launch. This MPV from General Motors is a seven seater that was to compete with the likes of the Maruti Ertiga and Nissan Evalia. The Enjoy was showcased at the Auto Expo 2012, and was to be powered by a 1.4 litre petrol and a 1.3 litre diesel engine. The diesel 1.3 litre multijet engine was recently introduced in the new Chevrolet Sail U-Va.  This vehicle would slot in below the Chevrolet Tavera in the GM vehicle line up and would be more of a private MPV rather than the Tavera which is bought mainly for commercial purposes.

The Chevrolet Enjoy will now most likely be launched by end of January 2013, although there is no confirmation yet on it. It has recently been spotted testing around the country, wearing minimal camouflage. Also see: Chevrolet Enjoy spotted testing

 

Force One 4×4

The third promised vehicle for 2012, and which would have made quite an impact among SUVs is the Force One 4×4 (with ABS). Force Motors launched the Force One in September 2011 at a price point of Rs. 10.8 lakh, which was quite value-for-money considering the size and space it offered (it has more space than the Ford Endeavour). It also came decently loaded with features, but minus safety features such as ABS and airbags. But the Force One was outclassed completely after the launch of the Mahindra XUV500. It’s opportunity to get back in the game would have been the launch of the 4×4 variant with ABS and airbags at a Rs. 12 lakh price point, making it a really affordable 4×4. The vehicle was showcased at the Auto Expo in January, and was scheduled for a May 2012 launch, which did not take place. It will now likely launch in February next year, but that’s also not confirmed. Also read: Force One vs Mahindra XUV500 comparison