Tata Nexon
What’s it? A sub-4 metre SUV coupe; a first in its segment.
What’s new? First shown in concept guise at the 2014 Auto Expo, the production Nexon retains most of the lines of the original concept, with the headlamps and the front fascia recipients of the biggest changes (less swoopy, more in your face). The front bumper, too, receives new slats, ensuring it comes across as an SUV rather than a pumped-up coupe. It’s based on the X1 platform that underpins the Tata Zest.
What’s under the hood? A brand new four-cylinder diesel engine will make its way into the Nexon. This 1.5-litre motor produces 108 bhp and a shade over 26 kgm of peak torque, a serious upgrade from the 89 bhp, 20.4 kgm Multijet diesel. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, it will eventually replace the Multijet across the range in coming years. A slightly more powerful version of the 1.2-litre Revotron turbo petrol with about 89 bhp and 14.2 kgm, mated to a 5-speed manual will also be offered.
Launch date? Mid to late-2016.
Competition check: Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV 3OO, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
Expected price? Rs 7 to 11 lakh
Tata Kite 5
What’s it? A sub-four metre sedan that will sit under the Tata Zest and replaces the Indigo CS.
What’s new? Essentially a Zica with a boot, the Kite 5 could be the cheapest sub 4-metre sedan in the country when it goes on sale. It’s also probably the best looking of the lot, thanks to the Zica’s shorter dimensions that allow for a better integrated boot. Designed by Salil Kulkarni, a budding young designer and his team under Pratap Bose’s guidance, it’s a nice amalgamation of clean lines and practicality.
What’s under the hood? The tried and tested 1.2-litre Revotron motor with 84 bhp and 11.5 kgm of peak torque will provide motive power if petrol is your choice of fuel. Else, there’s the 1.05-litre three-cylinder diesel from the Tiago with 70 bhp and a healthy dose of torque. Five-speed manuals are standard while the diesel might get an AMT option, too.
Launch date? Second-half of 2016.
Competiton check: Maruti Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Mahindra KUV100.
Expected price? Rs 4.2 to 6 lakh
Tata Hexa
What’s it? A re-touched up Aria to give it a second lease of life.
What’s new? A thorough facelift of the Aria, the Hexa is an attempt to let go of its MPV image and develop truer crossover cred. First shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015, its flared arches, cladding, projector headlamps with daytime LEDs, redesigned tail-lamps, grille and bumpers enhance its appeal. In fact, some of the additional changes over the Geneva Show car give it a higher road presence. A revised interior with a new instrument binnacle, air-vents, changes to the centre console give the car an air of premiumness.
What’s under the hood? A revised 2.2-litre, 154 bhp/40.5 kgm Varicor diesel motor from the updated Safari Storme, with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed auto option. The latter is likely to be sourced from General Motors. It even gets four driving modes: Automatic, Comfort, Dynamic and Rough Road.
Launch date? March-April 2016.
Competition check: Toyota Innova Crysta, Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and Lodgy.
Expected price? Rs 13 to 18 lakh
