2011 can be dubbed as the year of new car launches in India.
Moreover, with the festive season of Diwali round the corner, most of
the new car launches have been cluttered in the months of Oct-Nov. Even
September saw buzzing activity with a spate of new releases from various
automobile companies.
Audi A6
The most premium car launch has been Audi A6, which is also one of
the most efficient vehicles in the business luxury car segment with a
fuel efficiency of 18.9 kmpl. The new entry-level executive sedan has
been priced at Rs.37.7 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).
The vehicle’s 2.0 diesel engine generates 130 kW with displacement of
1968 cc. Audi A6 is built from hybrid material, tagged as ‘Audi Ultra’
technology. The car boasts of some exquisite multimedia functions as
well.
Skoda Rapid
Coming to C+ Segment sedan cars, Skoda is all set to roll-out its
compact entry-level sedan car ‘Rapid’ in direct competition with the
popular Maruti SX4 and Honda City. The compact sedan, which is expected
to leverage on the Vento’s platform, will be priced in the range of Rs.7
lakh to Rs.9.30 lakh.
Its 1.6-liter engine will provide a maximum output of 105 Bhp and 153
Nm torque. Rapid will be the first car from Skoda to be designed
keeping in mind the needs of Indian customers with high degree of
localized manufacturing.
Mahindra XUV500
At Rs.10-13 lakh price range, you can now buy a sturdy Mahindra
XUV500 in the sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment. This monster vehicle
is powered by MHawk engine with 5th generation variable geometry turbocharger.
The Mahindra SUV sports a much superior interior and exterior looks,
a big change from its traditional image as manufacturer of tough
utility vehicles in heavy category. The exterior comes with a cool
LED-day light running lights, delightful aesthetics and marvelous looks
provided by honeycomb grill.
Honda Brio
With its dwindling brand value of Jazz, City, Civic and Accord, Honda
SIEL is all set to lure small car segment buyers in India with its new
Honda Brio, powered by 1.2-liter advanced i-VTEC engine, in the price
range of Rs.3.95 lakh onwards.
The Indian JV Honda Siel Cars Limited has nurtured this car by
imposing cost controls, maximizing production efficiencies and savings
administered by higher degree of localization, to engage in price
competition with the popular Hyundai i10. As a part of festive offer,
Hyundai’s i10’s era model is now available at a price of Rs.4.20 lakh
on-road in Mumbai.
Nissan Sunny
The new Nissan Sunny sedan was launched on September 20. Nissan’s
starting range sedan has been equipped with 1.5-liter DOHC 16 valve
engine providing 99 bhp and 134 Nm petrol engine with a five speed
manual transmission for all variants.
The Sunny sedan has been priced at Rs.5.78 lakh for its base version;
and inches up to Rs.7.68 lakh for its topped-up version. The petrol
version of the car is capable of delivering a fuel-mileage of 16.5 kmpl.
Hyundai Eon
With the recent launch of Hyundai Eon, the South Korean automaker has
jumped in direct competition with Maruti’s highest selling four-wheeler
car, Alto, in the compact car market share. Hyundai’s futuristic small
car definitely has an edge over Maruti Alto in terms of interiors,
jazzy looks and advanced use of technology.
Priced in the range of Rs.2.5 to 3.8 lakh, Hyundai’s new A-Segment
car will be powered by 814 cc IRDE petrol engine developing 56 bhp and
75 Nm of torque. The small car will provide a fuel-saving 21 kmpl of
average drive.
