Upcoming launches in August, September and October 2012

The next three months will see some interesting car launches, right from sedans like the Toyota Camry to SUVs and MPVs like the Storme and Mini Xylo. Take a look at this short compilation to get a better idea of what the Indian car market can expect in the coming months.

Hyundai Elantra (August)

Update: Hyundai Elantra launched.  Read more: Hyundai launches Elantra

The new Hyundai Elantra with its fluidic design is much better looking than the older model. It will be offered in both petrol and diesel engine versions. The Elantra is being launched on August 13, in New Delhi. The Elantra diesel will be powered by a 1.6-litre engine that puts out 128 Bhp of power while the Elantra petrol will sport a 1.8-litre motor that puts out 148 Bhp of power. The Elantra will be offered in both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Also read: Hyundai Elantra Spy shots

It will also sport comfort features such as a smart key (engine) start button, cruise control, dual zone automatic climate control, integrated audio system with six speakers, driver seat with electric adjustments, leather seats and trip computer with LCD display. Safety features like dual airbags, side and curtain airbags, ABS and EBD will also be present in the Elantra.

Toyota Camry (August)

The new Toyota Camry will look very different from the present model. It has a radiator grille with six horizontal chrome slats and a revamped front thanks to the new headlamps.

The refreshed front also sports different looking fog lamps, a sculpted bonnet and sporty bumpers. The tail lamps cluster is neat and a thick horizontal chrome slat on the boot gives the car a premium appearance. Also read: New Toyota Camry spied testing

The new Camry is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol motor that puts out 167 Bhp of power and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.  The upcoming Camry is to be assembled locally (via CKD route) and could hence be priced lower than the outgoing model’s price range of Rs. 21.58 lakh – Rs. 23.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Nissan Evalia (September)

The Nissan Evalia was showcased at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. It has a very van-like design with sliding doors on the sides, a large tail-gate, good luggage space and seven comfortable seats. The interiors of the Evalia will house a maximum of eight seats in three rows (2+3+3) seat layout. Also read: Nissan Evalia video review

Under the hood lies a 1.5-litre diesel motor that powers the Micra small car. The power output of this engine will either be 85 bhp or 110 bhp like the Duster. Expect the Evalia to have a mileage of around 13 kmpl. With a price range of Rs. 8 lakh – Rs. 13 lakh it will compete with the Toyota Innova and the Mahindra Xylo.

Safari Storme (September)

The Tata Safari Storme will be launched this September after a long wait and a lot of delays. The Safari Storme will not replace the present Safari but will both sell side by side. We expect the Storme to be priced between Rs. 9 lakh and Rs. 12 lakh. This will place the Safari Storme directly in Mahindra XUV500 and Renault Duster territory. The Storme sports a 2.2-litre DiCOR motor that puts out 140 bhp of power and 320 Nm of torque. Also read: The Tata Safari Storme takes on the present Safari!

Mahindra Reva (September)

The Reva NXR is a cute looking yet full fledged electric car with decent space for four passengers. It looks much better than the Reva we are all used to seeing, it is more aggressive and grown up. The NXR is expected to be powered by lithium ion batteries. As per the company, the range of the NXR (powered by lithium ion battery) will be 160 km per charge and the top speed will be 104 km/hr (similar to the Tata Nano). It will sport plenty of technology in the form of a mobile interface to communicate with the car and control key car functions. Read more: Mahindra Reva NXR plant to be inaugurated on August 22

It will also come with features such as AC, power windows, power steering 12 V socket and audio player with speakers. In terms of price the Reva NXR could come at Rs. 6 lakh. However, we expect government subsidies for at least a limited number of electric cars which may reduce the price of NXR substantially.

Chevrolet Enjoy (October)

Chevrolet had showcased the Enjoy MPV at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo and it is expected to be launched around October (Diwali). It is a proper 7-seater MPV and looks very plain and simple. It has a smiling chrome grille, minimalistic lines on the sides and a decent boot with conventional tail lamps. Also read: Can Chevrolet’s upcoming Enjoy MPV take on the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Ertiga?

The Enjoy is expected to come with a 1.4-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre diesel engine choice, but specifications are yet to be revealed. Mileage is being expected to be around 12 kmpl while the diesel version may return around 15 kmpl. We expect the upcoming Chevrolet MPV to be priced similar to the Ertiga (Rs. 7 lakh onwards) and target buyers with big families.

Mahindra Mini Xylo (October)

The mini Xylo is a 5-seater SUV similar to the Premier Rio in terms of size. The mini Xylo however is shorter than the Xylo and will run on 14-inch wheels. The spare wheel has been moved on to the boot door, as there isn’t enough space under the vehicle, after shortening the length.

It is expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder diesel motor and give close to 18 kmpl on highways. The mini Xylo may come with features such as dual airbags, ABS, AC, power steering, power windows and a music system with USB and aux-in ports. We expect it to be priced between Rs. 4 lakh and– Rs. 6 lakh.