Upcoming Hatchbacks and Sedans for H2 of 2016

The second half of this year is expected to see the number of launches in both hatchback and sedan segments in the domestic market. Almost ten to twelve new cars will be introduced to target the existing respective segment-based models. The upcoming hatchbacks, Volkswagen Polo GTI, Baleno RS, Maruti Ignis and Mini New Clubman whereas the sedans, new Audi A4, new Hyundai Elantra, new Volkswagen Passat, Honda Accord Hybrid, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Bez E-Class, new Toyota Etios, Mercedes CLA facelift with AMG, Skoda Octavia RS, as well.

New Hatchbacks:

The domestic market to receive hot hatchbacks by the end of this year and the hatchback segment will become stronger with the affordable and premium based cars.

Volkswagen Polo GTI:

The Polo GTI is the performance based version of the existing Volkswagen Polo and it is going to launch in the festival season. It will come with the pack of the 1.8-litre TSI engine and the 7-speed DSG gearbox and capable of meeting the acceleration speed 0-100kph in just seven seconds. The Indian-specific Polo GTI will receive the similar design of the existed global-specific model. If launched, it will rival with the Abarth Punto.

Expected Price: Rs. 17 lakh

Maruti Baleno RS:

Maruti Suzuki has committed to introduce the performance rich version, Baleno RS in the Indian market with the highly efficient 1.0-litre BoosterJet petrol engine. The same model has already available as an Indian-made Baleno in the export markets. In fact, the existed Baleno petrol and diesel versions have more demand in India, even though the carmaker has decided to launch the Baleno RS to meet the high potential customer’s requirements.

Maruti Ignis:

                                  

Maruti Ignis will be the affordable hatchback and priced around Rs. 4 to 5lakhs in India. The crossover has scheduled to launch in the festival season of this year, but the introduction date is postponed to the end of this year due to the high demand of Vitara Brezza and Baleno models. It will receive the premium design cues from the IK-4 concept to target the small crossovers, Renault Kwid and Datsun RediGo.

Versions: Petrol and Diesel

Expected Launch: End 2016

Mini New Clubman:

The second generation Mini Clubman is expected to launch by October 2016 with the around price range of Rs. 35 to 38lakhs.

New Sedans:

Along with the compact SUV and hatchback segments, the sedan segment is expanding with all-new design models.

New Audi A4:

The new Audi A4 will come with the lightweight architecture compared to the existing model and the Indian range engines. All-new features, virtual cockpit, the digital instrument display with the high resolution, as well available in the upcoming luxury sedan.

Expected Launch: August or September 2016

Estimated Price: Rs. 35 to 42 lakhs

Rivals: Volvo S60, Mercedes-Bens C-class, BMW 3-series

New Volkswagen Passat:

The eight generation Volkswagen Passat will come to the Indian market with the bigger architecture, more stylish and luxurious design and more capable of engines. The hybrid variant of the VW Passat is expected to be offered to the Indian customers.

Expected Launch: End 2016

Expected Price: Rs. 30 to 35lakh

New Hyundai Elantra:

The upcoming hatchback, the sixth generation Hyundai Elantra is 20mm longer and 25mm wider than the existed model and to be available with the more cabin space. The new Elantra comes with the engine options of 2.0-litre 147Bhp petrol, 1.6-litre 130bhp petrol and 1.6-litre 134bhp diesel and transmission options of 6-speed manual and automatic as well as the 7-speed dual clutch automatic.

Expected Price: Rs. 14 -18 lakh

Rivals: Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla