Brains & Brawn

Tech-laden cars and SUVs will dominate the launches in 2019

If the policymakers are to be believed, India will soon leapfrog to electric vehicles (EVs). That, however, has not stopped carmakers from introducing some fantastic vehicles in 2019, leaving buyers spoilt for choice in almost every segment. “The internal combustion engine will continue to stay, though diesel may not for long. Many people, especially those opting for diesel cars as commuter cars, will leave diesel rapidly after 2020,” said Gaurav Vangaal, senior analyst at IHS Markit Automotive.

India’s favorite carmaker, Maruti, will bring out a brand-new Wagon-R and a micro SUV, which it showcased at the Auto Expo. While the Wagon-R is expected in early 2019, the micro SUV may arrive only by Diwali. Big on space, the new Wagon-R is expected to have a 5-speed manual gearbox and an AMT option. An EV version is also on the cards.

The unnamed micro SUV will sit below the Vitara Brezza and will be strapped with a 1.2-liter engine. It will compete in the hatchback space, with the likes of Renault Kwid and Tata Tiago.

Everybody seems excited about Tata Motors. The Tata 45X, a hatchback displayed at the Auto Expo, was a stunner. It is part of Tata’s new design language and will take on the likes of the Honda Jazz and the Maruti Baleno. However, the most anticipated launch is that of the Harrier. Designed by Tata Motors design head Pratap Bose and his team, the Harrier wowed everybody at the Auto Expo. It is expected to be launched this month. “We wanted to deliver what we promised,” said Bose. Though not a full-fledged 4X4, the Harrier does look muscular thanks to the 17-inch wheels and 205mm ground clearance. It is loaded with the latest tech, and the interiors are spectacularly finished in Oakwood, brushed aluminum and oak-brown faux-leather seats and inserts. Expect the Harrier’s automatic variant to make an entry in the months to come. It will take on the Renault Captur, the Jeep Compass, and the Hyundai Creta.

Korean carmaker Hyundai, which is Maruti’s direct competitor in most segments, recently re-launched the beloved Santro. By mid-2019 it will launch the new Grand i10, costing around 4.50 lakh for the base model. The engines will not change but expect a load of snazzy features. There is also talk about a new compact SUV, but the details are still under wraps. It will sit below the Creta and will come in diesel and petrol variants. The launch is expected before March. A facelift for the popular sedan Elantra is likely by the end of 2019.

Hyundai’s sister concern Kia Motors will be launching its first vehicle in India, an SUV, by mid-2019. The concept vehicle had a lot of admirers at the Auto Expo, thanks to the macho looks and bold exterior design. It will share its drivetrain with the Hyundai Creta, which will also be its main competitor.

Also eagerly awaited is the new Honda Civic. It is a stunner, just like its predecessor, but looks much sharper. There will be a diesel option this time, and all the bells and whistles expected in a modern D-segment sedan. A 1.8-liter engine mated to a 6-speed manual/ automatic will be on offer. Diesel heads, however, will have to make do with a manual tranny. Be prepared to shell out anything upwards of 20 lakh for this beauty.

Nissan will launch its popular compact SUV, Kicks, in India this month. A direct competitor to the Creta, it comes with a 4-cylinder, 1.6-liter petrol engine and a 1.5-liter diesel engine, which already does duty on the Nissan Terrano. “Kicks will lead Nissan’s India strategy of bringing the best of global Nissan products and technology to our customers,” said Thomas Kuehl, president, Nissan India. “It will cater to our core audience, who are adventurous and look for bold and intelligent choices in life.” It replaces the Nissan Juke in the international markets and will compete with the Creta in India.

There will also be the launch of one of the world’s favorite EVs, the Nissan Leaf, towards the end of 2019. This hugely popular car will be imported as completely built units, driving up the price to a cool 50 lakh.

Japan’s biggest carmaker, Toyota, will bring the eighth generation Camry to India by mid-2019. Based on the Lexus ES 300h platform, this car will offer loads of space, a comfortable ride, and premium technology. The Camry, which is known for its hybrid engine (a 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter petrol engine paired with an 88kW electric motor), will be available as a 6-step CVT for the hybrid and an 8-speed automatic for the standard variant. It will cost around 40 lakh.

The Germans also have a slew of cars lined up for this year. Mercedes-Benz will be launching the new A-Class, with a longer wheelbase, at the entry level. It will be powered by a punchy 4-cylinder engine and a new 8-speed Steptronic transmission. BMW will bring the new 3-Series, the four-door SUV coupe X4, and the full-blown SUV X7. BMW’s biggest SUV, the X7 has a proper third row of seats and would cost around 1 crore. The X4 will take on the Range Rover Velar and will come with 2.0-liter petrol and diesel engines that will be mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Audi will be launching two cars early in 2019—the sixth-generation A6 and the super luxury A8. Both will come packed to the gills with tech. The A6 will be available with a hybrid engine, and the 2.0-liter TDI will continue to be sold alongside. The A6 has received an upgrade in terms of space, especially for the rear passengers. The A8, which would cost around 2 crores, is powered by a 6-cylinder, 3.0-liter diesel engine.

The new Audi Q3 is expected by the end of 2019. It promises more space than the older model, as it is based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform. Available in 1.5-liter petrol and 2.0-liter diesel variants, it should appeal to those looking for a practical luxury SUV in the price bracket of 35-45 lakh.

MG Motors (Morris Garages), in collaboration with the Chinese carmaker SAIC, will open its innings in India by launching an SUV in the first half of this year. It will be built at the Halol plant in Gujarat and will take on the Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson. An electric SUV is also on its way.

Jeep will be bringing in the much-awaited Compass Trailhawk, which will come with an automatic gearbox on its diesel engine. “The Trailhawk is much more capable off the road in comparison with the regular Jeep Compass,” said Sushant Balsekar, spokesperson for FCA India. “However, it is equally capable as the regular Compass in an urban or city environment.” Prices may start at 25 lakh.
                                                                                                                                               Raktim Maitra