5 car launches to watchout for in 2014

Audi A3
First up is the Audi A3. Audi’s compact sedan that will sit below the A4 will be brought to India via the CKD route from the very beginning. Audi has some serious confidence in the product to not bother testing the water with direct imports. The expected price should be around Rs 22 lakh. The expected launch date should be around July-September 2014.Engine options remain speculative for now, but the model shown at the 2014 Auto Expo had a 1.8 litre TFSI petrol mated to a 7 speed automatic transmission, produces 180 hp and 250 Nm. A 2.0 litre TDI engine is also available in Europe which churns out 150 hp and 320 Nm, mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox.

Maruti Ciaz
The Ciaz concept was the last thing anyone expected from Maruti. The SX4 replacement has been spotted testing and the expected launch may be as early as July 2014. The most likely engine options could include a 1.4-litre k-series petrol and a 1.3 litre diesel. This will be the first strong attempt by Maruti Suzuki to get back at the City and the segment will heat up again after a prolonged lull. Expect prices to begin around Rs 6.63 lakh.

Fiat Avventura
The Fiat Avventura is a risky maneuver for Fiat. The Italian car-maker is far from a segment sales benchmark, but still makes some of the best driver’s cars. Focusing on the front seat is not something most car makers in India partake in, but Fiat is adamant about its brand identity and thus brought in the butch Avventura. The Contemporary Urban Vehicle as Fiat puts it, is based on the Punto. The car has different and more imposing aesthetics and above all else a lot more ground clearance. The CUV may be launched around  October 2014, possibly after the facelifted Punto. Engine options may include a 1.4-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre diesel. Expect prices to begin around Rs 7 lakh.




Tata Zest
The same sheep in a different skin as most have put it. The Zest will be Tata’s attempt at revamping the brand. The expected launch could be in the second half of 2014. Prices may begin around Rs 5.50 lakh and the Zest will take on the Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire and Hyundai Xcent. The car will get the 1.3-litre Quadrajet diesel engine and the new Revotron 1.2-litre petrol


Corolla Altis
Toyota has already launched the Altis in Indonesia and the car has been on display at locations including the Delhi Airport. Toyota is leaving no stone unturned to promote the Altis as the brand needs to do something remarkable. The Altis has been awfully low key which is why it has to trudge its way back into buyer memory. The design is good, but not radical. The car is going to be launched on May 27th. Engine options remain the same i.e. the 1.8-litre, 138bhp petrol mated to a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-step CVT automatic. The 1.4-litre, 87bhp diesel will only be offered with the six-speed manual.

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