Cars...cars...cars everywhere in the peak hours. The growing automobile market is due to the decreased prices and the availability of ranges. Numerous global manufacturers have set up shop floors in our country and mostly around Chennai, making it easy to reach. On the other hand, local manufacturers count on quality and give fierce competition to their contemporary brands both on home grounds and on global arena. With so much going on in this segment Wishesh would like to add value to our readership by providing a special column for the zip....zap...zooming ones. Once a luxury, today evolved into a necessity, while plastic money and lucrative finance options have had a marginal influence on their surging upwards sales. Now let us take a quick look at the cars that are to embrace the Indian terrains in 2013.
In the hatch back variety, many already existing cars are to give some mild alterations and release the newer versions or planning a face lift like the Chevrolet Beat, Fiat Punto Evo, Hyundai New i10, Maruti A-star, Volkswagen Polo Auto while Tata Nano plans to introduce new variants in its stable. However with mounting petrol bills an electric car might be the need of the hour. Mahindra E20 should fill the gap and is priced Rs 5.5 – 6 Lakhs. The new car would have an electric motor that derives power from 48-volt lithium-ion batteries capable of powering the car for about 100km on a single charge.
In the luxury hatch back segment there is fierce competition between the leaders of the industry. Mercedes-Benz plans to launch its luxurious A-class cars after the success of its B-class, in local markets. On the other hand Volkswagen plans a face lift for its Beetle. However the new car in this segment also comes from this German manufacturer which plans to introduce the luxurious Polo version known as Volkswagen Cross Polo in the price ranging from Rs 6- 8 Lakhs.
Interestingly in the sturdy Compact SUVs division, tall names plan to launch new models, elsewhere successful. We have two global brands planning launch their new models like Ford EcoSport and Nissan SUV. Our national car manufacturer Maruti is also planning to cast its hat in this ring, with Marurti Mini SUV. This SUV is expected to cost around Rs 7 lakhs and might hit roads in the mid of the year or in the third quarter. Critics claim that this car is based on the Seift platform, a successful hatch back from the same manufacturer.
For those elite who prefer more than a normal SUV, there are many global giants planning to give a facelift to their existing models like Audi Q3, Ford's Endeavour and Honda CRV,. On the other hand we have three global manufacturers launching their newer models to attract the budding youth millionaire class, who live life on their own terms. They are Hyundai's New Santa Fe and Volvo V40 Cross Country. Yet another tough machine might come up the horizon from the Fiat's stable like Jeep Grand Cherokee priced at Rs 40 lakhs and treats the owner like an emperor with its aesthetic comforts.
Next let us take a look at luxurious SUV's that are sure to swarm the Indian roads this year. As usual in this segment also there are old machines with new looks hitting like Audi Q5, BMW X6 and Land Rover Freelander 2. However the icing on the cake is the all new Range Rover which could cost a fortune, right now the basic model might be hovering somewhere around Rs 1.4 crores while the fully loaded one might cost a fortune pegged at around Rs 2 crores.
In the Saloons segment there are some facelifts while some else are launching new models. The competitors include Honda Brio saloon, Mahindra Verito sub-4m, Tata Manza CS, Chevrolet Sail, Fiat Linea, Ford Fiesta, New Maruti Saloon, Mercedes-Benz A-class saloon, Nissan Sunny Auto, Renault Scala Auto, Skoda New Octavia and Tata Manza. Well Tata Manza, pegged at Rs 5.7 – 8.1 lakhs should be tough enough off to take Indian terrain with ultimate dignity.
For those just budding up millionaires the cars that are sure to impress are getting a facelift as newer ones being introduced too. While the BMW 7 series, Skoda Superb and Mercedes-Benz E Class on a serious face lift, Jaguar plans to introduce the more economical model Jaguar XF 2.2. and Honda plans to give a variant in its Accord range.
Among the MPVs we have the Ford Motors New Trax coming up with a variant. The new ones are Ashok Leyland Stile, Chevrolet Enjoy, Force Motors MPV and Hyundai MPV. The new Stile from India's renowned heavy vehicles manufacturer is sure to make its mark with its looks. Priced at Rs 7.5 - 8,5 lakhs this car may also release a CNG version soon.
Lastly in the Sports car segment we have Jaguar F-Type and Audi S5 ready for an head on collision in the markets. Both the cars are attractive but their price tag is sure to keep many budding millionaires at bay. Jaguar as usual is stylish and costs over one crore, strictly a twin seater. With so many new cars coming out in the market it is surely irresistible to stay calm and with encouraging hire purchase offers the ordeal becomes tempting. Where can one hide from temptations and why should we...just indulge? (Wishesh AarKay)
