The best-selling entry level compact sedan, Swift Dzire, received a facelifted early this year with minor exterior revisions. It was introduced with a new single-slat chrome grille, re-modified bumpers, new alloy wheels, smoked headlights and fog lamps with chrome inserts.
Features included on the inside were similar to what its Swift hatchback sibling came up with: electrically adjustable ORVMs, engine start-stop button, updates to music system, reverse parking sensor sensors and power socket at the rear. The updated equipment level made the Dzire a feature-rich sedan.
Despite having the similar 1.2 petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines, fuel efficiency was improved to a claimed 25.8kmpl for petrol and 26.59kmpl for diesel engined variants. At sales averaging close to 19,000 units monthly, the Swift Dzire has once again been in a league of its own against main rivals Honda Amaze, Tata Zest, Toyota Etios and Hyundai Xcent and is the first launch of the Top 30 Car Launches of 2015 in India.
Launch Date: February 27, 2015
Price: Rs. 5.07 lakh – Rs. 7.81 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Hyundai i20 crossover came about to take on Indian customers’ new inclining towards crossover segment based on existing hatchbacks. Sharing features and mechanicals with the highly successful i20 Elite hatchback, the Active crossover has more rugged appearance, tweaked suspension, bigger wheels, sporty interiors and improved ground clearance at 190mm.
The updated interior has dual-tone colour options as well and the vehicle comes powered by a 82bhp 1.2-litre Kapp2 petrol mated to a five-speed manual and 89bhp 1.4 CRDI diesel linked to a six-speed manual transmission – both are the same engines featured under the bonnet of i20 Elite hatchback. Other changes included are partly coloured gear knob, aluminium coated pedals and all-new upholstery. It takes on Toyota Etios Cross, Fiat Avventura and Ford EcoSport in the crossover segment.
Launch Date: March 17, 2015
Price: Rs. 6.38 lakh – Rs. 8.89 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
GO+ MPV was the second product to be launched in India by the revived low-cost Brand of Nissan, the Datsun. Offered in four variants, the country’s first sub-compact MPV measures less than four metres whilst carrying larger resemblance to its hatchback sibling, the GO. With the identical front fascia and side profile to GO, the MPV boasts a different read end. It comes with 170mm ground clearance and boot space can be increased to 347 litres by folding the third row of seats.
Powered by Nissan’s famous 1.2-litre petrol engine, the vehicle generates 67bhp maximum power and 104Nm peak torque. The power unit is coupled with a five speed manual gearbox that helps s return a claimed mileage of 20.62kmpl. The highest monthly sale registered by the Datsun GO+ MPV was in April with over 1,500 units whilst its key rival Maruti Suzuki Ertiga still being the master of turning more sales number.
Launch Date: January 15, 2015
Price: Rs. 3.79 lakh – Rs. 4.61 lakh
The French car manufacturer revealed its spacious Lodgy MPV in the second week of April this year. The vehicle gets the same engine that powers the Duster SUV – the 1.5-litre four-cylinder K9K diesel mill in two states of tune: 84bhp and 108bhp with no petrol unit being offered. Sold in foreign markets as Dacia Lodgy, the re-badged MPV is built on a modified Duster platform.
It is retailed either as seven or eight seater with key features like touchscreen media navigation, multi-functional steering, ABS with EBD. driver and passenger airbags and brake assist among others. Manufactured at Renault’s facility in Chennai, the MPV endured a mediocre sales in the last five months at an average of below 400 units despite coming out strong initially in April with a sales figure of 2,032 units. Toyota Innova is still the leading MPV in its segment ahead of Honda Mobilio.
Launch Date: April 10, 2015
Price: Rs. 8.19 lakh – Rs. 11.79 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
Since seeing the limelight back in 2010, the Mahindra That off-roader was given a major update in August. The upgrade is available only in the CRDe diesel variant. On the exterior, revisions were to the front and rear bumpers, canopy has been redesigned, new black-biege dashboard and wheel arches, sporty instrument cluster, redesigned center bezel, re-worked AC vents and door trims.
The Thar gets power from a 2.5-litre CRDe engine that is good enough to produce a power output of 105bhp as before whilst 274Nm of peak torque will be generated at 1800-2000 rpm. More importantly, the Mahindra Thar off-roader has a standard all-wheel drive system to get the better of all kinds of terrain surfaces. The Mahindra Thar rivals against Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Gypsy.
Launch Date: August 4, 2015
Price: Rs. 8.03lakh (ex-showroom, Nashik)
Ford Figo Aspire is the first-ever sub compact sedan from the company’s stable which made debut initially at the 2014 Auto Expo as Ford concept. It rivals against Maruti Swift Dzire, Hyundai Scent, Tata Zest and Honda Amaze. The sub-4 meter sedan is offered with three engine options: a 1.5-litre petrol developing 110bhp, a 1.2-litre petrol with 87bhp and 1.5litre diesel with 99bhp. The 1.5-litre petrol is mated to a six speed dual clutch transmission whilst the others get five speed manual.
It has a decent 359-litres of boot space and front passenger seat airbag is provided as a standard feature across all variants. The other segment first features are six airbags, leather seats, dual clutch auto ‘box and so on. Since launching, it acquired good sales only in August with over 5,000 units but the figures have slowed down in the following months due to regular strong-showing from Maruti Suzuki Dzire.
Launch Date: August 12, 2015
Price: Rs. 4.89 lakh – Rs. 8.24 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Kwid, The global small car has been built on a flexible CMF-A platform and arrived with loads of anticipation carried on its back. It has easily been the most successful launch for Renault till date and also most importantly the best launch of the year. With its SUV-ish stance, the entry level car from Renault has reportedly being registered by 75,000 customers prompting the French manufacturer to almost double its monthly production to nearly 10,000 units.
It has slowly been chipping away sales from main competitors Maruti Alto and Hyundai Eon amidst helping the company to achieve a 144% sales growth in November compared to the same month last year. The first-time buyers are this Renault’s main consumers and therefore it has been aggressively priced taking advantage of 98% localisation.
Powering the Kwid is an all-new 800cc three cylinder petrol engine developing 54bhp and 72Nm of peak torque coupled to a five speed manual gearbox and returns a class-leading mileage of 25.17kmpl. In fact, that petrol engine is the most efficient in the country. A more powerful 1.0 litre petrol engine with automatic transmission is expected to come in 2016.
Launch Date: September 24, 2015
Price: Rs. 2.56 lakh – Rs. 3.53 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune)
It gets the most fuel efficient diesel powertrain with an ARAI-certified mileage of 27.3kmpl from the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel unit that produces 99bhp and 200Nm torque whilst the 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol is capable of developing 89bhp and 109Nm torque mated to a five speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission. The front fascia gets design inspiration from the City sedan with chrome lining on grille piano black finish. It comes fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, turn indicators on ORVMs, LED tail lamps and rear spoiler among other many features. The new Jazz has a similar interior to the City sedan with black dashboard, 12.7cm display for audio and navigation, leather-coated gear lever, etc.
The recently launched rival, Maruti Suzuki Baleno premium hatchback, has dented its sales to a certain limit in November as it took a dip to just below 3,400 – more than a thousand units in arrears against previous two months and almost a half down compared to July.
Launch Date: August 8th, 2015
Price: Rs. 5.3 lakh – Rs. 8.59 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Hyundai Creta compact SUV has been another success story for the South Korean auto maker in 2015 after being launched in July. It has stiff competition from Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Mahindra XUV500 and Maruti S-Cross. It has received over 70,000 orders in its first four months and sold at an average of 7,000 units monthly.
The 1.6-litre petrol engine of the Creta generates 121bhp power and 151Nm of torque and the 1.6-litre CRDI diesel makes 126bhp and 260Nm of torque. The 1.6 petrol returns a mileage of 15.29kmpl whilst the 1. 4 diesel and 1.6 diesel offers 21.38kmpl and 19.67kmpl respectively. With its soaring sales, some of the variants have waiting period of up to six months in some cities.
Launch Date: July 22, 2015
Price: Rs. 8.59 lakh – Rs. 13.60 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
Eyeing more market share from the premium vehicle segment, Maruti Suzuki broke cover of its crossover, the S-Cross back in September. Ahead of its launch, 6,000 bookings were made for the S-Cross and is available in two engine options namely a 88bhp 1.3-litre DDiS 200 and 118bhp 1.6-litre DDiS 320 mated to a five speed manual and six speed manual transmissions respectively.
It is equipped with ABS, driver and front passenger airbags, front and rear disc brakes as standard. Customers preferring Nissan Terrano seems to have gone with S-Cross with its apparent decline in sales but Hyundai Creta is still the hot-prospect in the premium SUV segment ahead of Renault Duster.
Launch Date: September 12, 2015
Price: Rs. 8.34 lakh – Rs. 3.74 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
The premium hatchback is the second product to be offered from Maruti Suzuki’s newly established Nexa dealerships and has been a revelation in its segment dominated by Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo. Comes with four trim levels, the Baleno derives power from a 1.2-litre VVT petrol and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engines mated to a five speed transmission with AMT offered in petrol variant.
With its brand new captivating design language and loads of standard features being offered in comparison to rivals, it gives a claimed petrol mileage of 21.4kmpl and 27.39kmpl for diesel. It surpassed main rival Elite i20 in November sales and Swift’s production has been cut down to meet the demands of Baleno. Within two weeks of its launch, it garnered a stunning 21,000 bookings and an impressive 9,074 units were sold just in November.
Launch Date: October 26, 2015
Price: Rs. 4.99 lakh – Rs. 8.11 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
The new generation Ford Figo had been a long-time coming and was unwrapped on the domestic market in September. Sharing design cues and features with the Aspire sedan, the Figo has a bolder appearance at present while offering the class-first six airbags, dual-clutch automatic gearbox and so just as its bigger brother, the Aspire sedan. It features swept back headlamps, four-slat horizontal grille and body-coloured bumper among others.
The interiors have 4.2-inch SYNC multimedia infotainment system, three-spoke steering wheel with mounted control and all-black cabin alongside safety features like ABS with EBD, electrically adjustable ORVMs and six airbags. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre TDCI diesel engine producing 99bhp mated to a five speed manual and two choices of petrol engine – a 87bhp 1.2-litre linked to five speed manual and a 110bhp 1.5-litre mill mated to a six speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The arrival of new generation Figo has certainly given Ford a considerable boost in sales with the highest retail of over 3,500 units in October but it’s way far off competition from rivals such as Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 and Grand i10.
Launch Date: September 23, 2015
Price: Rs. 4.29 lakh – Rs.7.4 lakh
Maruti gave the Ertiga a minor makeover with host of features added via facelift in October. It has got a new signature large chrome grille, chrome accents around fog lamps housing and the overall changes made the MPV look a bit wider and bigger. As for the power unit, the Ertiga was given Smart Hybrid diesel treatment and thus fuel efficiency has been boosted by 18%. The petrol K14B engine gives a mileage of 17.5kmpl thanks to few revisions made on it as well.
It borrowed SmartPlay infotainment system with touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity from Ciaz sedan. The standard variant gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seatbelts with a re-tensioners and force limiters. It has averaged over 4,000 units in terms of sales numbers and rivals against Toyota Innova, Honda Mobilio, Chevrolet Enjoy and Renault Lodgy.
Launch Date: October 16, 2015
Price: Rs. 5.99 lakh – Rs. 9.25 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
The country’s largest utility vehicle manufacturer Mahindra unveiled its sub-compact SUV, the TUV300, in September. It has been positioned above the lacklustre Quanto and offered in seven variants across three trims. Its design has been inspired by a “battle tank” with Pininfarina playing a major role in styling.
It comes powered by a 1.5-litre three cylinder mHawk80 diesel engine that produces 82.5bhp power and 230Nm of peak torque mated to a five speed manual transmission with an Automated Manual Transmission being provided as an option. The diesel unit has a claimed mileage of 18.49kmpl. It rivals in a hugely competitive segment against top-selling Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. In its first months of sales, it has averaged above 4,000 units.
Launch Date: September 11, 2015
Price: Rs. 6.90 lakh – Rs. 9.12 lakh(ex-showroom, Pune)
The performance brand of Fiat-Chrysler, Abarth, launched the much awaited affordable hot hatcback of the Punto vehicle in October simultaneously with the Avventura Abarth at Rs. 9.95lakh. The Abarth Punto was fitted with a retuned more powerful engine – the 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol unit has been turbocharged to pump out a maximum power output of 145bhp and 212Nm of peak torque. The engine is coupled with a five speed manual transmission. The changes on the outside include an Abarth badge replace the regular Fiat’s, 16-inch bespoke dual-tome alloy wheels, sporty reward bumper, horizontally-slated unique front grille, secondary air dams and side profile with Abarth decals.
The two colour offerings are Pearl white and Hip Hop black with changes made to the upholstery and again the signature Abarth on the steering wheel. Aimed at pure performance, the Punto hot hatch can get from standstill to 100kmph in 8.8 seconds whilst returning a claimed fuel economy of 16.3kmpl. This sporty model has opened up possibilities of rival manufacturers to pursue with their own version of performance-based hatchbacks in the not so distant future at an affordable price bracket we reckon.
Launch Date: October 19, 2015
Price: Rs. 9.95lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Toyota Kirloshkar unveiled the refreshed version of its highest-selling Camry model in the Indian market, the Camry Hybrid, back in April and gave an aggressive front fascia with a muscular bumper. The airdam has been made larger with chrome outlines, verticals indicators on both sides, a prominent front grille, chrome strips on the rather centered fog lamps, chiseled headlamps, blue inserts in the logo, new LED tail lamp cluster and alloy wheels were the exterior revisions to the refreshed model.
On the inside, the Camry Hybrid features a new instrument cluster and a 6.1-inch touchscreen system on the center console alongside other minor tweaks. No changes mechanically, as the same 2.5-litre petrol unit produces 160PS of maximum power and 213Nm of torque whilst the electric motor can pump out another 45PS. This makes the Camry Hybrid to have a combined power of 2015PS and the petrol engine is mated to a CVT automatic gearbox.
Launch Date: April 30, 2015
Price: Rs. 31.92lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Chevrolet Trailblazer was launched in a two wheel drive LTZ variant only for the Indian market. It’s based on the American company’s pick-up truck Colorado and is powered by a 2.8-litre four cylinder diesel engine that produces 197bhp and a whopping 500Nm of peak torque at a low-end rpm. It competes against the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Hyundai Santa Fe and returns a mileage of 11.45kmpl.
Power is sent to the real wheels through a six speed automatic gearbox and has been imported into the country as CBU unit.It has sharp styling with projector headlights and features three rows of seats and a seven-inch MyLink touchscreen infotainment with smartphone app link but has no navigation system.
Launch Date: October 23, 2015
Price: Rs. 26.4lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
Making debut at the 2014 Auto Expo in Greater Noida, the Tata Bolt hatchback was taken wraps off for sale very early in the year in January. Coming under the HorizonNext camp, it carries similar design cues from the outgoing Indica but comes equipped as better as its Zest sedan sibling. As for the interior, an updated Harman-sourced infotainment system, music playback via iPod, USB, aux-in and bluetooth connectivity. The spacious cabin is identical to the India with interior functionality carried over from Zest.
The Tata Bolt gets power from a 1.2T Revotron petrol engine churning out 89bhp and a 1.3-litre Quadrajet diesel engine making 75bhp. The Bolt’s sales started off well with over 2,000 units in the first couple of months but it was followed by the Indian company struggling to get to four-figure mark all throughout the year. The major hurdle was the non-availability of AMT as buyers tend to prefer automatic versions of Celerio and WagonR instead whilst main competitors Swift and Grand i10 having never faltered in monthly sales performance.
Launch Date: January 22, 2015
Price: Rs. 4.44lakh – Rs.6.99lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The second-gen Audi Q7 was globally revealed at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show before debuting in India less than three weeks ago. It is based on a lighter MLB platform helping the popular SUV to shed weight of up to 325kg and improve fuel efficiency by 26%. Initially be imported through CBU route from Slovakia, the flagship model adapted the German auto maker’s new design language. Up front, it has single-piece hexagonal grille and brushed aluminium surrounds with sleeker horizontal headlights in the middle of arrow-shaped matrix LED DRLs complementing sharper looks.
Powering the Audi Q7 is the revised 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel engine producing 272bhp and 600Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox transmitting the power to all four wheels through the Quattro AED system. The top speed is at 230kmph whilst 0-100kmph can be achieved in a highly a impressive 6.5 seconds – over a second quicker than the outgoing Q7 model. It competes against traditional rivals Mercedes GL-class and BMW X5 whilst Volvo XC90 appears unharmed to remain as the benchmark in the premium luxury SUV segment.
Launch Date: December 10, 2015
Price: Rs. 72 lakh and Rs.77.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The BMW i8 supercar is a hybrid revolution that was brought into India in February and sold via CBU route on a limited production run. It has high demand worldwide and has a captivating set of butterfly doors. The plug-in hybrid supercar comes powered by a 1.-5litre TwinPower three cylinder petrol engine and a lithium-ion battery powered electric motor. The petrol mill is rated at 231PS of power and 320Nm of peak torque whilst electric motor umps out 131PS and 250Nm of peak torque.
This brings the combined power output to 362PS and 570Nm of torque. The i8 can get to a tip speed of 120kmph with a maximum electric range rated at 35km. The hybrid supercar can sprint to 100kmph from standstill in just 4. 4seconds and can reach a top speed of 250kmph amidst delivering 600km maximum range. The safety features available in the i8 as standard are eight airbags, ABS, dynamic stability control, corner braking and dynamic braking stability.
Launch Date: February 18, 2015
Price: Rs. 2.29crore(ex-showroom, Delhi)
The all-new X6 Sports Activity Coupe saw the limelight in the domestic market as a car that promises to stick by the qualities of BMW X and the performance of a BMW coupe. Offered with M Sport package, the X6’s exterior has wider signature kidney grille, larger airdams with chrome trims, L-shaped tail lamps with 3D LED adaptive lighting, standard Dakota or optional Nappa leather upholstery, driver-focussed cockpit and so on. Provided in five colour choices, the X6 is powered by TwinPower six-cylinder turbo diesel engine putting out 313bhp and 600Nm of peak torque.
Linked to a new eight-speed sport automatic transmission, the sporty coupé can get from 0-100kmph in just 5.8 seconds and can top out 240kmph. Safety features listed for the X6 coupe are six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic vehicle immobilizer, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Hill Descent Control, crash sensor and side-impact protection.
Launch Date: July 23, 2015
Price: Rs. 1.15crore (ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Quattroporte wasn’t the only model introduced by the Fiat-owned Italian luxury performance car manufacturer Maserati, as it took the opportunity to unveil its entire model range in India that includes Ghibli, Gran Turismo and Gran Cabrio. Maserati was well-received globally last year with sales accounting for over 36,000 units promoting the fabled Italian car maker to step foot into our domestic market.
The slightly tamed Quattroporte diesel draws power from a 3.0-litre turbo unit producing 275bhp and 600Nm of peak torque linked with an eight-speed automatic. The more powerful 3.8-litre petrol V8 of the range-topping GTS will put out an outstanding 530bhp of maximum power and 710Nm of peak torque coupled to the same gearbox as the diesel variant. The GTS can hit 100kmph from 0 in just 4.7 seconds and can go all the way up to 307kmph.
Launch Date: July 15, 2015
Price: Rs. 1.8 crore and Rs. 2.2 crore(ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Facelifted Audi A6 was launched back in August after debuting at the Paris Motor Show the previous year. The premium luxury sedan was met with changes on the outside and also the inside. The front fascia received a newly designed headlamps with Matrix LED system as seen on the RS6 Avant station wagon. The redesigned tail has swept-back turn indicators, chrome strip on boot, restyled exhaust system and split LEDs. On the inside, a new eight-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system, new upholstery, eight airbags, three-spoke steering wheel, four-zone climate control, Boss surround system, ventilated and massage seats, adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select are featured as standard.
However, no mechanical changes have been made as the same 2.0-litre four cylinder TDI unit linked with a seven-speed S-Tronic automatic powers the luxury sedan. It goes up against Merc E Class, BMW 5 Series, Volvo S60 and Jaguar XF in the highly competitive luxury sedan segment.
Launch Date: August 20, 2015
Price: Rs. 49.5lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
The high-performance Audi RS6 Avant station wagon is based on the current-gen Audi A6 sedan and retailed as CBU import. The third-iteration facelift of the original model derives power from 4.0-litre TFSI V8 bi-turbo petrol motor that produces 560PS of maximum power output and 700Nm of peak torque. It can sprint from 0-100kmph in a blistering 3.9 seconds and is capable of reaching 305kmph top speed. The generated power is transferred to all the four wheels through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox.
The host of features the performance vehicle will come adorned with are LED headlamps, 20-inch alloy wheels, matte black exhaust, aggressive bumpers, single-frame grille, eight-inch multimedia screen with 8 speakers and many others. To just the price tag, it has the performance numbers whilst being packed with slew of safety features and driver aid technologies.
Launch Date: June 5, 2015
Price: Rs. 1.35 crore(ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Mercedes CLA-Class has been the first entry-level sedan in the Indian market that goes up against the Audi A3. Sold with both petrol and diesel of engine options, the CLA-Class has been powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo petrol unit that puts out a maximum power output of 181bhp and 300Nm of peak torque. The 2.2-litre four-pod diesel mill generates 135bhp power and 300Nm of torque.
Based on the same MFA platform that underpins A-Class, B-Class and the GLA-Class, the entry-level sedan has taken design inspirations from the A and CLS class with cabin features are also shared. The main highlighting features are bi-xenon headlamps, seven-speed dual clutch transmission, panaromic sliding sunroof, Harman Kardon Long c 7 surround sound system and reverse parking camera.
Launch Date: January 22, 2015
Price: Rs. 31.50lakh – Rs. 35.90lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
JLR introduced the Land Rover Discovery Sport as a replacement to the outdated Freelancer 2. It comes in four different variants and gets powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine at two states of tune: one developing 150PS and 400Nm and the other 190PS and 400Nm of torque. It has borrowed some of the design cues and styling from the new Range Rover series despite showing resemblance to the outgoing SUV.
The font-end has xenon headlights and horizontal LED fog lamps with appealing front bumpers, front and rear silver skid plates and new shape to LED tail lights. Courtesy of the lightweight aluminium construction, the Discovery Sport has better handling credentials and is being bought into the country as CKD kits and assembled at the British company’s facility in June.
Launch Date: September 02, 2015
Price: Rs. 46.10lakh – Rs. 62.18lakh(ex-showroom, Mumbai)
The Swedish car manufacturer launched a new T6 variant to its Mercedes C class, Audi A4 and BMW 3 series rivalling S60 sedan in July. The new variant followed the introduction XC90 luxury SUV and is offered with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit that develops a maximum power output of 306hp and 400Nm of peak torque.
The engine comes mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and with the T6 variant S60 has been the second Volvo product to feature a petrol mill after the V40 Cross Country. There were no changes made in the styling department and the interior as well looks identical to the diesel model.
Launch Date: July 3, 2015
Price: Rs. 42 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
Launched in September, the Maybach duo marked the introduction of the Mercedes’ sub-brand into our market. The S500 has been locally manufactured whilst the S600 will be imported via CBU route. The extended long-wheelbase versions have 207mm more gap between the centres of front and rear wheels compared to the standard S-class. It has the Mybach badge on both sides of C-pillars, rear seats beyond door cutouts and rear-seat belt bags that has inflatable seat belts to reduce ribcage injuries upon impact amongst loads of other safety features.
Power comes from a 4.6-litre engine that puts out 453bhp and 700 Nm of torque which helps the S500 to get from 0-100kmoh in just 5 seconds whilst topping out 250kmph. As for the S600, a highly powerful 6.0-litre unit produces 523bhp and 830Nm of torque. The limo is capable of doing 0-100kmph as similar to the S500 in five seconds and the top speed is rated at 250kmph.
Launch Date: September 25, 2015
Price: Rs. 1.67crore and Rs. 2.6crore(ex-showroom, Delhi)
The 21st century version of the legendary niche hatchback, Volkswagen Beetle, made its re-entry into the Indian scenes just over a week before. Since 30 units were imported in, the buzz over when it would be launched peaked to a new high until the cloak was finally lifted by the brand itself. Based on PQ35 platform that underpins Jetta sedan, the niche hatchback retained all its iconic styling curves and let alone the circular headlamps. The VW Beetle sources power from a 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission.
The motor produces 147bhp maximum power and 200Nm of peak torque. It comes equipped with climatronic dual-zone AC, multifunctional display, Plus sound system with eight speakers, start-stop system with regenerative braking, cruise control, USB interface, AUX-IN and Bluetooth connectivity among several others. With its competitive pricing, it rivals against Mini Cooper and Fiat Abarth 595 Competizione.
Launch Date: December 18, 2015
Price: Rs. 28.73 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi)
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