Last month, we had covered an exhaustive list of cars which were spotted while testing in the international market. Although not every car on that list will be make it to India, we have handpicked the top-ten that caught our interest and will be introduced in the country. Beginning with the modest Hyundai Kona, to the high adrenalin performance packed Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder, this list is quite comprehensive.
Hyundai Kona: The Kona from Hyundai was spotted on test at the infamous Nurburgring circuit in Germany. The Korean automaker claims that the Kona might go on to become the leading Asian car brand in Europe by 2021. In India, the compact SUV is likely to be positioned below the popular selling Creta compact SUV. Based on what could be seen, the vehicle is expected to get aggressive body styling which we believe might find a lot of takers in the country.
Skoda Yeti: Skoda Yeti last received a minor facelift way back in 2014. This time around, the new generation model, likely to be called Karoq, is likely to head to India soon. Based on MQB platform, it is expected to be offered in current engine options. Along with a fresh design, it will also get high quality interiors and if reports are to be believed, Skoda might unveil the new Yeti at Stockholm this month.
Jaguar E-Pace: Spotted on test at Nurburgring, the Jaguar E-Pace is likely to make it to India in 2019. This crossover is expected to be positioned between the F-Pace and the I-Pace. The E-Pace will be powered by Jaguar’s turbocharged inline-four petrol and diesel engines mated with the ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic transmission as standard, while the all-wheel-drive will be optional.
Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder: A heavily camouflaged Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder was spotted earlier in April. Likely to be more powerful than the regular Huracan Performante, this vehicle might get a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine that generates 630bhp and 600Nm of torque. The drop-top version might be showcased in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Audi Q8: Audi’s flagship SUV, the Q8 was spotted on test at the Nurburgring track. Expected to be the most luxurious Audi, it may be positioned above the Q7. As seen in images, the coupe-SUV body style appears to be wider yet sits lower that the Q7. Production for the vehicle will begin next year. We expect it to be loaded with Audi’s latest cabin design and technology with a new gen Virtual Cockpit and hopefully, more driving aids.
BMW X2: BMW X2 appears to be a sportier alternative to the X1 and X3. The aggressive front is flanked by sweptback headlights and a wide grille. The vehicle also gets an angular beltline, a dual exhaust system, and a small rear tailgate with an integrated spoiler. Reports indicate that there might also be anM Performance variant on offer next year.
BMW X7: The BMW X7 was recently spotted on test at Nurburgring circuit in Germany. Based on CLAR architecture, the vehicle is expected to get suspension bits from the X5 to manage that additional weight. In terms of engines, the X7 will get six- and eight-cylinder units as well as a plug-in hybrid derivative. The top-spec version will be powered by an upgraded version of the 6-litre V12 which currently makes 544bhp and 750Nm of torque.
Bentley Continental GT: Bentley Continental GT has been a popular name in the performance car segment. First introduced in 2003, the new generation model is all set to debut sometime soon. The new model will be built around an all-new MSB platform that currently underpins the new Panamera. The new-gen Continental GT will be powered by an all-new 6.0-litre 600bhp W12 engine from the Bentayga in addition to a tweaked twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 to generate 520bhp of power.
BMW 1 Series: The all-new 2019 BMW 1 Series is based on the front-wheel-drive Mini Countryman. Although it might not look radically different from the outgoing model, the vehicle might get a revised front and rear for freshness. The basic models will probably feature a 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel or a three-cylinder turbo petrol unit, while the rest of the range might get a 2-litre four-cylinder petrol in 120i guise or a 2-litre diesel engine in the 120d.
Jeep Wrangler: Although the one spotted had been heavily camouflaged, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is expected to get aerodynamic tweaks for freshness. Although most of the body will be made from steel, mechanicals might see significant use of aluminum to keep the overall weight in check. Along with better performance, the new Jeep Wrangler will also be more fuel efficient.
