Factory floors are buzzing and hot metal is pouring out of all the car companies as they are preparing to launch their most anticipated vehicles in 2012. With the rising demand for luxury brand cars in India, BMW is planning to launch small hatchback luxury car called Mini Cooper. Expected to be a great prformer on road, this car will be available in at least four engine variants. Of the four engine variants, two will be packed with 1.4 litres petrol engine, while the other two will be powered with 1.6 litre diesel engine. This car is also expected to carry a rich heritage of BMW combined with the luxury and safety.
General Motors is all set to launch a new generation hybrid car called Chevrolet Volt, in 2012. This hatchback model with spacious and impressive interiors is speculated to set the automobile industry on fire. Chevrolet Volt is expected to feature star mobile application that will allow the users to perform functions using their smart phone. This car is speculated to be powered by a 1.4 litres, 4-cylinder engine. Korean auto giant, Hyundai is also planning to launch new 800cc small car in 2012 to compete with Maruti Alto. Codenamed as Hyundai H800, this car is scheduled to be showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo in 2012.
Hyundai H800 is expected to be packed with 3-cylinder, 800 cc MPFI (multi point fuel injection) petrol engine, which will generate a peak power of 50 bhp. Honda Siel Cars India, the 8th largest car maker in India, is coming up with the diesel variant of popular sedan, Honda Accord. The all new Honda Accord Diesel with 2.2L common-rail diesel engine is ready to hit the Indian market in early 2012. Priced between the ranged of Rs.20 lac to Rs.25 lac, Honda Accord Diesel is likely to compete with Skoda Superb, BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-Class and Volkswagen Passat. With the increasing popularity of diesel cars because of the fuel efficiency, Honda is planning to launch the diesel version of Honda CR V and Honda City.
Powered by a 2200cc, CRDi, 4 cylinder diesel engine, Honda CR V is expected to be launched in both two and four wheel drive variants. The car will be launched in the price segment of Rs.25 lac and Rs.30 lac. On the other hand, Honda has disclosed that Honda City will be packed with 1.4L iCTDi (Intelligent Common Rail Turbocharged Direct Injection). This car is speculated to be priced around Rs.10 lac and will complete with the cars like Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Verna Transform and Chevrolet Optra Magnum, among others. Toyota Motor Corporation is all set to launch Toyota Avanza, which is expected to be loaded with the same features as Toyata Innova. To compete with the likes of Maruti Swift Dzire and Fiat Linea, Toyota is planning to launch Toyota Etios Diesel by early 2012.
The premium brand of the Volkswagen Group, Audi is set to launch a compact luxury sports car, Audi A3 in 2012. Priced in the segment of around Rs.20 lac, this car will be the cheapest car in the India portfolio of Audi. This car will be available in 2.0L TDI Clubsport Quattro and 1.8L TFSI petrol engine options. Designed by Renault and developed by Nissan, Renault Koleos is another car that is expected to be launched in 2012. This car is going to be available in available in two versions, 4x2 and 4x4 drive options. Tata Motors Limited is planning to launch the diesel version of Tata Nano, which is expected to be packed with world’s smallest Bosch Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) system.
Tata Motors is also planning to launch Tata Dolphin, which will be placed between Tata Nano and Tata Indica, in 2012. Moreover, Tata is also going to launch new MUV model, which will be built on the existing Tata Safari platform. Tata Motors has named this car, which is expected to be powered by 2.2L, 2197cc Dicor engine, as Indicruz. Maruti Suzuki RIII, Maruti Suzuki Cervo, Mahindra World SUV and Jaguar C-X75 are among the other cars that are going to be unveiled in 2012.
