Typically, carmakers bring a number of new models to the Indian market in the run-up to the festive season and the same will be done in 2019 as well. Reportedly, there are at least five new models coming – two all-new cars, three facelifts, and a new variant – that will arrive in showrooms in the next couple of months. Among the numerous carmakers scheduled to launch new models, we can confirm that at least Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Renault, Tata, and Toyota will be adding to their respective portfolios. Here are the details:
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
The production-spec version of Maruti’s Future S Concept will finally arrive in the form of the S-Presso on September 30. A new micro-SUV, the small hatchback features SUV-like styling to appeal to the Indian car buyer and will directly compete with the Renault Kwid, though it will also rival the Datsun Redigo. The model will debut the BS6-compliant version of Maruti’s K10 petrol motor. Based on other engines from the brand that were upgraded from BS4 to BS6-spec, the output figures are expected to be the same 68hp and 90Nm of torque, though mileage figures are expected to drop slightly. Other details about the Maruti S-Presso are scarce, though spy shots of the model confirm that it will come with a central-mounted speedometer.
Renault Kwid facelift
Renault’s highest-selling model will get a major update next month. Along with a slew of design updates on the outside to keep it fresh and to comply with crash test and pedestrian safety norms, the Renault Kwid facelift will also get tweaked interiors. While the exterior will be reminiscent of the City K-ZE EV that debuted at the 2019 Shanghai motor show, the interiors are expected to be similar to the Triber’s – from the new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible and digital instrument cluster to the dashboard design and steering wheel. The same 54hp, 0.8-litre, and 68hp, 1.0-litre petrol engines will be on offer, though these will be upgraded to BS6-spec later. The Datsun Redigo and Maruti Suzuki S-Presso rival will continue to be offered with a 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearbox options.
Hyundai Elantra facelift
Hyundai may have just launched the Grand i10 Nios, along with the Venue compact SUV earlier this year, but the Korean brand will also bring out the refreshed version of its rival to the Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla Altis and Honda Civic in mid-September. Besides the changes to the exteriors and interiors – the former brings its looks in line with the newer Hyundai models while the latter will make sure the model has the kit to be competitive – the Elantra facelift will also come with a BS6-compliant version of 152hp, 2.0-liter petrol engine. Whether the 128hp, 1.6-liter diesel will be on offer is still a question mark. Prices are expected to rise slightly.
Tata Harrier Dark edition
Expected to arrive in September, the Tata Harrier Dark edition lives up to its name – it gets a unique Atlas Black exterior paint shade, 17-inch “Blackstone” alloy wheels, all-black front and rear skid plates and grey headlamp inserts. The insides match the outside with an all-new “Blackstone” dashboard finish, grey inserts instead of the faux wood trim on the centre console and Benecke-Kaliko Blackstone leather seats. When it arrives it’ll have the same mechanical setup as the standard Harrier, though where it fits in the SUV’s variant line-up in still unclear – the current top-spec Tata Harrier XZ Dual-Tone retails at Rs 16.76 lakh.
New-Generation AUDI A6
Audi India will roll out the new-generation A6 mid-size sedan, packed with the brand’s latest comfort and safety technology. The vehicle will get a 3.0L V6 petrol engine that’s good for 335bhp and 500Nm of torque. The diesel version will use a 3.0L motor pushing out 282bhp with 620Nm of torque. While gasoline unit will be paired to a7-speed S Tronic gearbox, the diesel motor will get an 8-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission.
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