There are some exciting new car launches across various segments coming our way during the months of April and May.
The Freestyle will be the first cross-hatchback to be offered in India by Ford. Based on the Figo hatchback, the upcoming Freestyle will incorporate a revised front-end design along with some essential cladding for that rugged look.
It will be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol motor from Ford’s new Dragon family of powertrains. The new engine in the Freestyle is tuned to develop 94bhp of power and 120Nm of torque and comes mated to a 5-Speed manual gearbox. As for the diesel engine, the Freestyle gets the same 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged motor from the Figo and Aspire.
All-new BMW X3
The new X3 is based on BMW’s CLAR platform, making it longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. Though the overall styling is of the new X3 is familiar, the SUV now sports new LED headlamps, new kidney grille, bigger 18-inch wheels and sharper creases on the bodywork. The rear-section is also all-new, featuring a slightly raked design and new LED tail-lamps.
In India, BMW is expected to offer two engine options on the new X3 - xDrive20d and xDrive30i. The former is powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel that is rated at 188bhp and 400Nm, whereas the petrol will feature a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo unit that develops 248bhp and 350Nm of torque. Both will come paired with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
All-new Honda Amaze
The second-generation Amaze was first showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo, and is a radical departure from the car it replaces. In terms of design, the new Amaze draws inspiration from the latest generation of Honda models. The sloping bonnet has now been replaced by a flatter one. Like the City and WR-V, the Amaze too has a single slat-chrome grille flanked on either side by largish headlights. The rear too has been updated - it now gets a flat rear bumper, C-shaped taillights and a small boot mounted spoiler.
The interior is all-new too. It gets a newly designed dashboard with a large touchscreen infotainment in the centre, a new instrument cluster and a new steering wheel. Engine options for the new Honda Amaze are expected to be unchanged - a 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel will continue to be offered. Honda has also announced that they will now offer an automatic transmission with the diesel motor.
Mahindra XUV500 facelift
The XUV has been facing a lot of heat from the Jeep Compass of late, and therefore Mahindra is set to inject some freshness into its flagship SUV with its second facelift. Expected changes on the XUV facelift include a new grille, all-new tail lights and updated front & rear bumpers. Interiors might benefit from new colours and revised upholstery as well. Rumours also suggest that the 2018 XUV500 facelift will come with a more powerful version of the current 2.2-litre mHawk diesel motor, but nothing is confirmed as yet.
Toyota Yaris
The India-spec Yaris was revealed at the 2018 Auto Expo. Since it will be positioned in a very competitive segment with established rivals, Toyota has loaded their new mid-sizer to the brim. Equipment like 7 airbags, gesture control for infotainment system, tyre pressure monitoring system, all four-wheel disc brakes, 60:40 rear seat split, power adjustable driver’s seat and front parking sensors will come standard on the top-end version of the car.
The upcoming Honda City challenger from Toyota will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that generates 108bhp. The mid-sizer will also offer a 7-step CVT option in addition to the standard 6-speed manual.
Hyundai Creta facelift
Hyundai’s strong selling small SUV will receive its first major update in coming months. With the facelift, the front of the Creta gets a new ‘cascade’ grille with a chrome border which extends to the headlamps. The front bumper has also been re-profiled and the fog lamp assembly has been redesigned with new DRLs which are positioned below them. At the back, the Creta now gets restyled tail lamps, a new stepped up rear bumper and dual exhaust tips. Engine options on the Creta facelift are expected to remain unchanged.
Write your Comment