2013 is coming to an end and the forthcoming year is bringing a bundle of surprises for customers in the Indian car market. With the current year witnessing a decline in automobile sales, 2014 is aiming high to compensate the market loss, with the advent of some exquisite innovations. Auto Expo 2014 will begin in February, followed by the innumerable launches, premiers and debut of cars from domestic and global auto giants. Products will be unveiled throughout the next year and amidst this long queue, speculations are rife that some cars will mark a new era of designing and concepts in the Indian auto industry. Analysts and trade pundits have tried to make a list of cars that will make a mark in 2014.
As per sources, among the first to be launched in 2014 would be the hatchback from Datsun called Go. Nissan's low-cost brand Datsun is re-entering the market with its compact hatchback and aims to compete with cars from Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. Sources claim that this car will feature a 3-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine with a power output of 76 bhp. It is likely to come in a price range of Rs. 3 lakh – Rs. 4.5 lakh, something that will attract a number of buyers.
Next in line is Toyota's premium sedan Corolla, which will be a revamped version of the old model, currently discontinued by the company. Undergoing a makeover, the new generation Toyota Corolla is expected to get a facelift and flaunt a flamboyant look. This car is technically enhanced by the company to keep up with the modern day requirements of buyers. With safety features of superior quality, plush interiors and utmost driving comfort, this sedan will come with a moderate price tag between Rs. 12 lakh – Rs. 17 lakh.
Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) have been quite a success in the Indian auto market and following the trend, Hyundai India will be re-launching its iconic SUV, Santa Fe. The car has been refurbished with minor tweaks on the interior and exterior, with better handling and suspension on all terrains. Furthermore, the company has been successfully able to reduce the price tag of this car, which was the primary reason why the car was discarded in the first place. The current version of the car will be in the range of Rs. 22 lakh – Rs. 26 lakh and is expected to face stiff competition from Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sports and SsangYong Rexton.
A multitude of global car makers mark the advent of its new innovations and leading the swarm is German auto giants. Primarily, Audi will launch its sedan A3, which is expected to redefine the entry level luxury sedan segment of the domestic auto market. With robust features and efficient engine options of 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel, the car will provide a sturdy drive. Audi has kept its range in the bracket of Rs. 22 lakh – Rs. 25 lakh and with its launch, the car will be rivalling with the likes of BMW 1 series, Mercedes-Benz B-Class and Volvo V40.
Assisting the German auto army would be the all new Porsche Macan, an entry level SUV considered to be the most affordable product of Porsche. Flaunting the iconic Porsche layout, Macan will be available in three models of Macan S which will be the base model, Macan S diesel, and the mi-range diesel variant. Whereas, the top-end version is Macan Turbo, which in turn is the most powerful from the lot. Porsche has a tendency to create a typical speed cruiser, which can be seen in all its ranges. The same has been done with Porsche Macan and with a top speed ranging from 250 kmph – 280 kmph, it is a roadster under the body of an SUV. This SUV ranges from Rs. 55 lakh – Rs. 80 lakh and is expected to see Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.
Another surprise from the same country would be Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a luxury executive sedan. The S-Class from the company is always considered a trademark of opulence and redefining the same aspect, Mercedes-Benz would mark a new dawn of its innovation. It is speculated that the high-end S 500 will be the first product of the new S-Class and will be lumped with technical features of the likes never seen or experienced before. With a hefty price tag of Rs. 1.25 crore, the all new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will serve as an optimal choice for the crème de la crème of the society.
The last model from the land of automotive would be BMW i8, the first electric car from the company. BMW had taken its concepts to a new level for the successful execution of this project and once accomplished, the company is pretty exuberant to see the buzz i8 has already created. With a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, the car would be nimble on the roads and as per the company claims, will blister like a sports cruiser. The exemplary design of German engineering will cost around Rs. 1.25 crore and currently has no adversary to compete with. It is an exclusive car which is a window to the contemporary advancement of the future.
