Hyundai Santa Fe Coming in Mid 2011

Hyundai Santa Fe
Expected in Mid 2011
Estimated price: 23-26 Lakh

SUV. One term which not many will associate the Korean giant - Hyundai
with. It is that segment of the auto industry which is tantamount with
big, brawny, imposing looking machines to which the word ‘car’ will not
really be able to do justice.

Hyundai was one of the first to sight the growing potential of the SUV segment and introduced
Terracan. Result? It failed to capture the imagination of the buyer. Reason? Price and brand image.
Also that it was not really all that great a car! Hyundai thought about it, phased it out, and drove in
with another SUV - Tucson. A good car this, which was aimed at beating Honda’s CR-V at its game.
Result? The same as Terracan’s.

Hyundai Santa Fe InteriorYou see, Honda has more snob value than Hyundai and at 12-13 lakhs,
people become increasingly conscious about their image. Why else do you think that SUVs like Honda
CR-V and Ford Endeavour have been selling more than Tucson? Your guess is as good as ours.

Terracan - the Pajero-based SUV is history, and so will be the Tucson when Santa Fe enters India to
try its luck at establishing Hyundai with the image of a maker of capable and desirable SUVs.

Hyundai has no dearth of engineering capabilities and is one of the auto-makers which has been
upping its ante all this while. The Santa Fe is a testimony to this statement. Alluring, in-yer-face,
dynamic, aggressive are adjectives that will fail to describe the curves and flowing desing elements of
this SUV.

Hyundai Santa Fe RearIt is big and that imposing grille with an “I-am-bored” look will only add to its
character. The gradually rising waistline makes the rear look a little odd though. The flared wheel-
arches will house massive wheels. Hyundai plans to import the Santa Fe in India and will offer a
delicious 2.2-litre, 148bhp diesel motor which might be tuned to suit Indian fuel quality.

This SUV is going to be as bang up-to-date as the intelligence reports of the US of A! Expect some
tension at Honda and Ford camps when Santa Fe comes in during the last quarter of 2008.
Specs (Speculated)
Car Segment: SUV
Engine: 2.7L Petrol/ 2.2L Turbo Charged Diesel       
Max Power/Torque: Petrol – 188Ps/284Nm, Diesel – 150Ps/335Nm 
Dimensions in mm (LxWxH): 4676 x 1890 x 1725
CarWale's Words: Segment is going to hot up with many entrants, all gunning for the CRV’s
position. Not too much of an off-roader, this may work against Hyundai with the increasing demands
of the rugged travel maniacs here. Hyundai need to think hard about the price.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Coming in Late 2010

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Expected in Late 2010
Estimated price: Rs 45-50lakh

The Mitsubishi Evo X was introduced as a concept (named as Concept-X)

at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. This was designed by Omer
Halilhozdic. Later on Mitsubishi unveiled the second concept car, the
Prototype-X at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.
Mitsubishi India launched the Cedia in 2007, which was the ninth generation of the Lancer. Now,
Mitsubishi gears up to launch the tenth-generation of the Lancer, the Evo X.

Design:

Manufacturers today are following a certain design theme, so that all the cars from their stable retain
the common family look. Mitsubishi is trying to do the same thing. The new Outlander and the to-be-
launched Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X have a similar front grille and styling. the Evo X will come with 18-
inch alloys and 245/40/R18 Dunlop tyres, Brembo brakes, Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs.

Interior quality has also improved and is more modern as well. The overall interior design with black
and silver styling gives it a rich feel. The Evo X will come with an option of Rockford Fosgate sound
system that delivers sound through a 650-watt amplifier and nine speakers (the same one which saw
on the Outlander).

Powerplant:

The Lancer Evolution X gets a newly designed 4B11T 2.0-litre turbocharged, all-aluminum inline-4
petrol engine. This engine churns out 294bhp of power and produces 366Nm of maximum torque. This
engine has double overhead camshaft and it redlines at 7800rpm.

The Lancer Evolution X a six-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The sedan
also gets a new full-time four-wheel drive system named S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), which is
Mitsubishi's newer version of AWC system used in previous generations.The S-AWC uses torque
vectoring technology which can send out different amount of torque to any wheel at any given time. 

Overall Evaluation:

The Lancer Evolution X at Rs 45-50lakh becomes a bit too expensive considering the fact that its a
CBU. However, still with all the bells and whistles the Lancer Evo X comes loaded with, one can willing
spend the extra bucks to get something which is this powerful and so much fun to drive.
Specs (Speculated)
Engine Displacement: 1998cc, MIVEC turbocharged
Power: 294bhp
Torque: 366Nm
Honda Accord Diesel Coming in 2011

Honda Accord Diesel

Expected in 2011
Estimated price: Rs 20-25 lakh

The present day diesel engines are quick, silent and efficient; they are
giving the petrol engines a run for their money. After manufacturing only
petrol engines for decades, Honda has produced its first diesel engine to
boost its sales. Honda Siel will use this engine in its Accord to boost its
sales and compete in the current Indian market.

Engine:

Honda has developed a common-rail diesel engine, its all four cylinder displacing a total of 2200 cubic
centrimetres. The engine’s 134 horses pull the Accord and produce a maximum of 347Nm of torque.

Features:

The Honda Accord diesel looks no different from its petrol sibling. The only difference between the two
is the powerplant running them. The car interiors, and the rest of the features remain unchanged.

Competitors:

Honda Accord’s main rivals include the Skoda Superb Diesel, the Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3-series and
the VW Passat. Considering the current sales of Accord petrol, the diesel engine could trigger its sales
further. 
  

Specs (Speculated)
Displacement: 2200cc
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 347Nm
Overall Length : 4950mm
Overall Width :  1845 mm
Overall Height:  1475 mm
Seating Capacity:  5
No of Doors:  4 door
Gears/Speeds:  5 Gears
Minimum Turning Radius:   5.6 metres
Tyres:   215 / 60 R16 Tubeless
CarWale's Words: The Honda Accord Diesel will be a car to watch out.
Honda CR-V Diesel Coming in Late 2011

Honda CR-V Diesel

Expected in Late 2011
Estimated price: Rs 22.5 - 25 lakh

With the current diesel engines being quick, silent and efficient; they are
giving the petrol engines a run for their money. After manufacturing only
petrol engines for decades, Honda has produced its first diesel engine to
boost its sales. Honda Siel will use this engine in its CR-V to boost its sales and compete in the current
Indian market.

Engine:

Honda has developed a common-rail diesel engine, its all four cylinder displacing a total of 2200 cubic
centrimetres. The engine’s 134 horses pull the SUV and produce a maximum of 347Nm of torque.

Features:

The Honda CR-V diesel looks no different from its petrol sibling. The only difference between the two
is the powerplant running them.

Competitors:

The Honda CR-V Diesel’s main rivals are the Chevrolet Captiva, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan X-Trail. 

Specs (Speculated)
Displacement: 2200cc
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 347Nm
Skoda Laura RS Coming in March 2011

Skoda Laura RS
Expected in March 2011
Estimated price: Rs 15-17lakh

Skoda plans to get their super performer the Laura RS (known as the
Octavia RS in international markets). The Laura RS has a 2.0TSI engine
which produces a whooping power of 200bhp and was seen in India at
the performance show November 2009 in Mumbai and even at the Auto
Expo'10 in New Delhi. The Laura RS will be car for performance enthusiasts. The Laura RS might come
with six-speed manual or six-speed auto DSG box. the car also sports alloy pedals and light weight
Neptune alloy wheels. 
Specs (Speculated)
Engine Specs:
Displacement: 2.0-litre petrol engine
Power: 200bhp

Maruti Suzuki SX4 Diesel Coming in Mid 2011

Maruti Suzuki SX4 Diesel

Expected in Mid 2011
Estimated price: Rs 9 lakh

Maruti Suzuki’s men were back in the form of the SX4 with a 1.6l engine
powering the car with 101 horses. The SX4 design is suitable for Indian
roads with its high ground clearance and 15-16 inch tyres. After the
huge success of the diesel variants of the Swift and Dzire over their
respective petrol versions, the company plans to roll out the SX4 diesel
with the DDiS engine. 

Suzuki SX4 was developed by Suzuki, however it is sold by Suzuki as well as Fiat (badged as Fiat
Sedici). The SX4 is sold as a crossover in some of the European and North American car markets. The
SX4 is sold in North American markets with AWD as a standard feature, whereas in the European it is
optional. Also, the SX4 is offered with a 2.0-litre petrol engine in the North American markets. 

Design:

The SX4 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign studio. The Suzuki SX4 was initially
introduced as a five-door hatchback which was marketed as a crossover. The sedan was unveiled at
the 2007 New York Auto Show and was later on launched in Japan, India and a few East european
countries. The "SX 4" term was used by American Motors (AMC) for a sporty liftback model.
Engine: 
After using the Fiat 1.3l multijet engine for its Swift and Swift Dzire, Maruti will continue to use the
DDiS engines. In the European market, the SX4 is sold with 1.9-litre and 2.0-litre DDis engine options.
We expect, Maruti to launch the SX4 diesel with a 1.6-litre DDis, and this should be Maruti's reply to
the VW Vento diesel, which produces 105-bhp from a 1.6-litre oilburner.  

Features: 

The SX4 diesel is the twin of its petrol variant. There is no difference between the two except for their
hearts.   

Competitors/Overall Evaulation:

The main rivals of the SX4 will be its own petrol sibling, the Honda City, Fiat Linea, Ford Fiesta
Hyundai Verna and the recently launched Volkswagen Vento. The SX4 has a huge plus with the Maruti
brand having the largest after sales and service network and good ownership experience.

   
Specs (Speculated)
Engine: 1.6-litre (Diesel)  
Power: 115bhp 
Torque: 203Nm
Length (mm): 4490
Width (mm): 1735
Height (mm): 1570
Wheel Base (mm): 2500
Ground Clearance (mm): 190
Front Track (mm): 1500
Rear Track (mm): 1495
Boot space (litres): 505

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi Coming in November 2010

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

Expected in November 2010
Estimated price: Rs 18lakh

Suzuki has a solid reputation for smooth, powerful performance. Keeping

that in mind, the Suzuki Kizashi, a mid-size car, was unveiled in the
United States on July 30, 2009. The Kizashi went on sale in Japan on
October 21, 2009, in North America on December 1, 2009, and in Australia on May 11, 2010.  In
Japanese, Kizashi means "omen", "sign", or "warning" possibly to suggest to other automobile
manufacturers that the Kizashi is an example of products to come from Suzuki in the future. The
Kizashi aspires to be Suzuki's flagship sedan and currently exceeds the Japanese government’s
regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement for cars classified as "compact".

Kizashi was recently in the news because on June 28, 2010 Suzuki recalled 5107 model year 2010
Kizashi vehicles due to a glove box door that failed to comply with FMVSS 201 ("Occupant Protection
in Interior Impact") in which the door could open in a crash.

Maruti Suzuki is planning to introduce its premium sedan model Kizashi in the Indian car market. It
had unveiled the model at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 in January but had deferred its plans to introduce
the car till end of the year. It has already launched the car in the Japanese and the American market
where it is quite successful. The new beast from Suzuki stable is ready to hit the Indian scenario by
December this year.

The Kizashi will be the fifth sedan in the Indian market after Esteem, Swift Dzire, SX4 and Baleno. It
will be powered by 2.4L petrol engine which will churn out 185 bhp and will feature six-speed manual
transmission, the American variant gets the option of CVT as well. 

Concept Kizashi
The first Kizashi concept included a 2L, 4-valve turbo diesel engine, sequential 6-speed transmission,
21-inch aluminium alloy wheels, and AWD — and was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. 

Concept Kizashi 2
The second Kizashi concept was a 5-door crossover sport wagon that included a 3,564 cc (3.564 L;
217.5 cu in) V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, i-AWD, and 265/45ZR22 tires — and was
unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

Concept Kizashi 3

The third Kizashi concept was an AWD vehicle that included a 3,564 cc (3.564 L; 217.5 cu in) V6
engine rated 300 hp, 6-speed automatic transmission, and 21-inch aluminium wheels with
255/30ZR21 tires. Concept Kizashi 3 was unveiled at the 2008 New York auto show.

Exterior
The Kizashi is a great looking car with the fit and finish that belie its humble origins. Multi-spoke
polished aluminum sport wheels, tight body clearances and attractive body lines give the Suzuki a
strong street presence. The Kizashi offers 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels, Akebono sourced brakes and
keyless ignition. You’ll be forgiven for thinking that this sedan is built by Volkswagen or Audi.

Engine
Standard equipment includes front-wheel drive and a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine developing 185 hp
(138 kW) and 170 lb•ft (230 N•m) of torque. Available transmissions are a 6-speed manual or a CVT.
The CVT version reduces power to 180 hp (134 kW), and has a 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph)
time of about 8 seconds. 

Interior
Inside, the Kizashi offers a choice of cloth or leather seating surfaces, and a 425-watt Rockford
Fosgate audio system with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth capability. All wheel drive (based on the i-
AWD system featured in the Suzuki SX-4) is optional and includes a driver-activated FWD mode to
save fuel. The dash has a layout that packs a lot of features into a tidy package. A dual-zone auto
climate system is standard. So are a 10-way power driver’s seat, tilt and telescoping steering wheel,
power sunroof, and trip computer. 

Overall Evaluation:
In Europe (England) the Suzuki Kizashi comes with a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty —
which is fully transferable. The price of the model in the overseas market
Specs (Speculated)
Powertrain:
Engine: 2.4-litre petrol engine
Transmission: Six-speed manual, CVT

Toyota Etios Coming in Late 2010

Toyota Etios
Expected in Late 2010
Estimated price: Rs 4.5-7lakh

Introduction
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd., showcased the Etios which turned out
to be a headturner at the Auto Expo held in New Delhi in January 2010.
While the car was not a production model, people at the Expo got a fairly
clear picture of what the car would look like once it arrived by the year end and also about what they
could expect on it. Toyota displayed both, the hatch and the sedan models, at the Auto Expo.

With the introduction of the Etios Toyota will enter the under 7 lakh, mass volume segment. Toyota
Kirloskar aims to sell 70000 units of the Etios in India per annum and it will also expand its dealership
network to 150 by the end of 2010 from its existing 97 dealers, at the time of the Auto Expo in
January 2010.

Design
The Etios was originally called the EFC, or the Entry Family Car. Etios means Spirit and Principle which
Toyota intends to give to its customers in India. More than 2000 engineers in India and Japan have
worked in close collaboration for four years to ensure the perfect blend of local design sensibilities and
unmatched global quality standards are integrated into the Etios.

The chief engineer of Product Planning at Toyota Mr. Yoshinori Noritake said, "In the process of
development of Etios, I have visited many Indian cities and homes to understand the market and
interact with customers. The Etios concept will cater to the basic needs of this market - highest
standards of quality at competitive prices.
Toyota's new compact cars have been designed to offer innovative styling, roomy interiors, superior
ride comfort and best in class mileage at competitive prices. The design concept of 'Bold Simplicity'
represents the pursuit of the perfect combination of functionality and affordable luxury.

The Etios incorporates advanced technology and superior quality features that have been developed
by Toyota, specifically for India, by leveraging the world class innovation that Toyota is globally
renowned for.

Mechanicals
The production version of Etios will resemble the concept model. Toyota Etios has been developed on
a new platform and has a completely new engine which is not present in any Toyota car so far. The
sedan which will be the first version to be launched in the country will offer a 1.5l DOHC petrol engine
and the hatch which will be launched in 2011 will offer a 1.2l DOHC petrol engine and will come with
lower excise duties. Both, the models, the sedan and the hatch, will sport new engines which have
been specially designed for Indian conditions, where high mileage was an important factor in the
designing of the engine. Hopefully, there will also be a diesel car as a diesel version of the car would
make a lot of sense for several buyers especially here in India. Also, considering it would come from
the Toyota stables, most buyers would be only too happy to put down the extra thousands for a diesel
engine by Toyota, humming under their hoods. The fact that Toyota has recently launched the Toyota
Corolla Diesel, it wouldn't be too far-fetched to think that Toyota would launch the Etios only with
petrol engines.

Competition
Maruti Suzuki Swift and the Swift Dzire will be the main competition for the Toyota Etios.

In addition to the sales in India, the car, which is Toyota's biggest project, the car will roll out of the
Bangalore plant and will also be offered for sale in China, Russia and South America. The company
already has Toyota Corolla, Toyota Innova, Toyota Camry and Toyota Innova along with newly
launched SUV, Toyota Fortuner, in its portfolio.

Specs (Speculated)
Engines:
Displaement: 1.2-litre (for hatchback) and 1.5-litre gasoline (for sedan) engines