Upcoming car launches in January 2013

It’s the beginning of 2013 and carmakers are already lining up a host of new cars for you. January has at least four launches lined up. Here is a look at what’s coming your way in the next few days.

The automotive industry is bracing for a period of slow growth in the first few months, although things are likely to improve later due to some easing in monetary policy, which would reduce interest rates on car loans. However, fuel prices, especially diesel, will continue to rise and that’s going to have a huge effect on the sales of cars.

 

Maruti Wagon-R facelift

The Maruti Wagon-R is getting what Maruti calls a “minor model change”, which essentially is just a few cosmetic changes to the car. In fact, the changes to the Wagon-R are so subtle, that you wouldn’t even notice it. The significant change is to the front grille and bumper. The grille gets a thick horizontal bar on it, and the bumper gets a revised air-dam and fog lamp housing. There are no changes to the sides or rear of the car, but on the interiors there is likely to be a change to the upholstery.

There are no mechanical changes to the car and it will be quietly slipped into showrooms in the next few days. If you’ve booked a Wagon-R, chances are you’ll get the updated variant now. Expect a minor price hike as well. Also read: New Maruti Suzuki Wagon R premieres in Japan, may come to India!

 

Mahindra E2O

The big launch expected in January is that of a small car – the Mahindra E2O, formerly called the Mahindra Reva NXR. This all-electric car is a two-door, four-seater that is expected to be launched by the end of the month. It features a range of about 100-120 km (using lithium ion batteries) and comes with a host of interesting technologies such as Sun2car – which allows you to trickle charge the car using a solar charger and also the ability to use your car as a UPS to power your house!

The Mahindra E2O is expected to be priced between Rs. 4 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh, when it is launched. Also read: Mahindra E2O ready for a January end launch

 

Chevrolet Enjoy

The Chevrolet Enjoy is an MPV that is looked forward too. It will compete with the Mahindra Xylo, Nissan Evalia and Maruti Ertiga when launched. It is a proper seven-seater that General Motors has built from its Chinese partner SAIC. The vehicle isn’t going to turn heads in terms of its design, but is very practical and spacious. It was showcased at the Auto Expo 2012 and is expected to come with a 1.4 litre petrol engine and a 1.3 litre diesel engine.

The Chevrolet Enjoy is likely to be priced between Rs. 7 lakh and Rs. 9 lakh when launched by the end of the month. Also read: Chevrolet Enjoy caught testing

 

Audi Q5

Audi is launching a face-lifted version of its popular luxury SUV the Audi Q5. The Audi Q5 is being launched in India on January 10. It gets some revised styling and mechanical changes as well. The front of the Q5 gets a new grille, new headlamps and a new-look bumper. At the rear there are minor detailing changes to the tail-lamps and exhaust pipes. Mechanical changes include tweaks to the engine and a shift from hydraulic steering to electro-mechanical power steering.

The Audi Q5 is expected to be priced around Rs. 49 lakh for the top-end variant, when launched on January 10.

Another car launch that was likely this month but has not been confirmed so far is the Chevrolet Sail sedan. Also read: Upcoming cars for 2013