10 Upcoming Cars Worth Waiting For

The Baleno will continue to derive its power from Maruti’s 1.2-litre petrol and the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre diesel engine. The fate of the Baleno RS, which gets the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, is not yet final. But it is expected to get similar updates while retaining its boy-racer charm with a few cosmetic differences.

Maruti WagonR

Expected Launch: January 2019

Expected Price: Rs 5 lakh - Rs 6 Lakh

Maruti’s evergreen workhorse, the Wagon R is set to get an update soon. The next generation model is all set to arrive in India by early 2019. Already on sale in Japan as a Kei car with a smaller capacity 660cc engine, the India-spec sixth-gen Wagon R is expected to pack the same 1.0-litre petrol engine that is offered on the current model. This three-cylinder, 998cc motor churns out 67PS of power and 90Nm of peak torque.

Based on Suzuki’s lightweight Heartect platform, the tallboy is likely to get cosmetic upgrades along with revamped interiors and a touchscreen infotainment system as well. The 2019 Wagon R is likely to be priced starting at Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom) and will go up against the likes of the new Hyundai Santro, Datsun GO, and the Tata Tiago. The new Wagon R is also likely to get an all-electric version in 2020, and the carmaker has already started a pilot project by flagging off 50 prototypes from its Gurugram facility.

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Facelift

Expected Launch: August 2019

Expected Price: Rs 14.32 lakh - Rs 16.31 lakh

After launching the next generation mu-X in India, Isuzu is all set to bring the facelift version of the D-Max V-Cross pickup in 2019. Likely to sport an updated front fascia replete with a redesigned bumper, fog lamp enclosures, a revised grille as well as new headlamps with daytime running lamps (DRLs), the V-Cross facelift is expected to come to our shores by mid-2019. Apart from cosmetic upgrades, the other major change on the outside is the new set of 18-inch alloy wheels that look quite similar to the ones offered with the mu-X.

While we expect the new 1.9-litre diesel motor that’s available in the Thai-spec version to make it to the facelift in India, we can’t be sure just yet as Isuzu disappointingly stuck with the old 3.0-litre diesel for the recently launched mu-X.

The 1.9-litre engine produces 150PS of power and 350Nm of torque (+10PS/+30Nm compared to the current 2.5-litre unit) and is available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission on the Thai model. The new V-Cross is likely to be priced from Rs 14.31 lakh to Rs 16.32 lakh and will continue to have 4X4 as standard across all variants.

BMW 3 Series

Expected Launch: July 2019

Expected Price: Rs 32 lakh - Rs 48 lakh

The latest generation of BMW’s small sedan made its world debut at the glitzy and glamorous Paris Motor Show in October this year. With the update, the 3 Series looks as sharp as ever, but promises to be more accommodating and offers a host of new technology as well. In terms of design, we see an evolution of signature elements like the ‘Hofmeister Kink’, the signature kidney grille, as well as the dual-barrel headlamps.

Compared to the model it replaces, the new 3 Series is 76mm longer, 37mm wider but sits slightly lower. Courtesy the wheelbase that’s increased by 41mm, expect a roomier backseat experience too. It’s loaded with tech too, including one screen each for the instrument cluster and infotainment, a head-up display, gesture control and more.

For India, we expect BMW to introduce the 190PS 320d diesel as well as the 184PS 320i petrol. There are more exciting options for the brand to choose from, including the 330i and the M340i, but they remain a bleak possibility for now.

Honda Civic

Expected Launch: March 2019

Expected Price: Rs 16 lakh - Rs 22 lakh

Oh yes! The Civic will make a comeback in India after nearly four years of being taken off the shelves. In its new avatar, the svelte sedan from Honda looks set to take on the likes of the Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Elantra as well as the Toyota Corolla Altis.

The Japanese car manufacturer already showcased the vehicle at the Auto Expo held in Delhi in February this year. Honda’s new-gen Civic retains its low-slung design as well as the coupe-like profile. There’s a substantial improvement in the interior department, with the sedan now packing features such as leather upholstery, a sunroof as well as a touchscreen infotainment system.

Expect Honda to offer two engines with the Civic - a 1.8-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel. While the petrol motor produces 140PS and 174Nm of torque, the diesel motor dishes out 120PS and 300Nm. Notably, an automatic transmission is likely to be offered with both engine options.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Expected Launch: Mid-2019

Expected Price: Rs 38 lakh - Rs 40 lakh

We expect Toyota to launch the all-new eight-gen sedan in India next year. Based on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, it will be offered in standard as well as hybrid form. Both versions are powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, with the hybrid getting an 88kW electric motor to make it more efficient. The one we’re interested in, the Camry Hybrid, produces 208PS of power. Toyota claims the new sedan packs a lighter power control unit, with the battery pack sitting snug under the rear seat instead of the boot. This should not only make the sedan a lot more efficient than before but also a lot more dynamic as well.

The new Camry is based on Toyota’s ‘Keen Look’ design philosophy. It looks quite aggressive thanks to the V-shaped front grille, sleek headlamps, and a large air dam. The interior, although well appointed, is quite minimalistic in nature. A large 8-inch touchscreen dominates the sweeping dashboard. A 10-speaker JBL sound system, wireless smartphone charging as well as dual-zone automatic climate control will be offered as standard.

Volvo S60

Expected Launch: Mid-2019

Expected Price: Rs 45 lakh onwards

Volvo’s 3 Series rival, the S60, is expected to make its way to India sometime next year. Based on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), the new S60 will be offered with a choice of petrol engines. Yes, that’s right, there will be no diesel engines on offer with this gorgeous sedan. However, those concerned about efficiency will be happy to note that it will be offered with two petrol hybrid motors as well.

The plug-in hybrid engines include the supercharged 2.0-litre T8 Twin Engine that produces a combined output of 390PS. This model can hit 0-100kmph in 4.9 seconds, while top speed has been limited to 250kmph. This motor can also be had with ‘Polestar Engineered’ performance upgrades, including lighter wheels, brakes, suspension and an ECU remap that takes the total output to 415PS, making it 0.2 seconds faster to 100kmph than the regular version.

The S60 is probably one of the best designed Volvo’s (yes, the V90 Cross Country is gorgeous too!) in a long long time. The tight proportions, minimal lines and Thor’s Hammer LED DRLs make the S60 look sporty yet luxurious at the same time. Expect India-spec models to be sold with a white or tan interior theme. That said, an all-black cabin would be welcome too.

Source: zigwheels.com