Tata 45X
Tata Motors is gearing up to launch some new products in the home market in next few years and one of them is the upcoming premium hatchback codenamed as 45X. The premium hatchback segment in the country has impressive cars like Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20, Volkswagen Polo, Honda Jazz etc. Upon arrival, the Tata 45X premium hatch will lock horns with these above mentioned rivals. However, the Tata 45X will bring freshness to the Tata portfolio as well as to the segment also.
In terms of design, the Tata 45X premium hatchback will follow the latest IMPACT design 2.0 language of the homegrown auto major. Also, this hatchback will share components and design language with the upcoming Tata Nexon compact SUV. It will be designed in collaboration of Tata’s three design centres based in Pune, UK and Italy, while JLR is also expected to give valuable inputs. The 45X premium hatch could sport a similar front fascia as the Nexon. It is expected to receive sharp headlamps with projector units and LED daytime running lights. The radiator grille too will come with a smiling pattern and featuring honeycomb mesh.
Expect a chunky bumper to be there with neatly positioned fog lamps and a centre air intake. At the side profile, this car will bear sporty alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, crisp character lines and blackened B pillar giving a larger glass area appearance to the car. A nice curved roofline will be there, while the rear profile of this hatchback will sport an integrated roof spoiler, wraparound compact LED taillights and a chunky bumper as well.
Not only exterior, but inside the cabin too, this hatchback will bear similarities with the Nexon compact SUV. It will bear sport a premium touch with the design and features inside the cabin. Also, expect it to offer a spacious and comfortable experience to the occupants. It will get a multi-function steering wheel, dual-pod analog and digital display consisting instrument cluster, a Harman developed touchscreen infotainment system at the centre console with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay coupled with a premium audio system.
The Tata 45X premium hatchback will be available in both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol engine would be bit larger than the Tiago hatchback and Tigor compact sedan’s 1.2-litre Revotron unit, while the diesel engine would be the same as the Nexon compact SUV. Both the engine will be capable of churning out generous amount of power and torque output, while the fuel efficiency on offer will be impressive as well.
Expected Price: Rs. 6 lakh – Rs. 10 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)
Expected Launch: 2019
New Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R
Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R has been one of the bestselling cars of all time in India from the Indo-Japanese automaker. This tallboy hatchback comes as a perfect package of affordable personal car meant for daily commuting in and around the city. The practicality and efficiency of this car have played undeniably key roles in making it popular. Now, the auto major is preparing to bring the new generation model of this hatchback that has been displayed at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.
The new Wagon-R looks significantly updated compared to the current model on sale in the country. It comes with a new front fascia and revised design at side and rear profile. Despite its distinctive appearance compared to the current model, the new Wagon-R retains the basic silhouette. Even if there are several design updates, this car can be unmistakably identified as the Wagon-R.
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The flat-looking front fascia gets large updated headlamps sans LED daytime running light. The front grille too appears with revised look and it sports sleek chrome trim, while the front bumper gets large black air intake. Moving to the side profile, the boxy shape is visible. It gets new design wheels, a smooth and plain look sans any character line along with an updated glass area.
Rear profile of the new Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R features a flatter appearance compared to the current model. Chrome detailing around the new design wraparound taillights enhances its appeal further. As the Japanese domestic market-spec (JDM) Wagon-R was displayed at Tokyo Motor Show, it gets a completely new and upmarket look inside the cabin compared to the present model available in India. A new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is there. Biggest changes include the repositioning and redesigned analog and digital display consisting instrument cluster and introduction of a new tab-like large touchscreen infotainment system at centre console.
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In terms of space too, new Wagon-R offers more comfortable feeling to the occupants. On the powertrain front, it gets a new and much more efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine that is capable of churning out around 68 bhp of peak power and 90 Nm of peak torque. The JDM-spec model gets a 5-speed manual gearbox and a CVT as option for transmission duty. In India, it could receive the famously successful AGS technology of the brand.
Expected India Launch: 2018 / 2019
Expected India Price: 5 lakh – 6.50 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)
2018 Hyundai Santro
Santro is the car that gave the South Korean auto major Hyundai a strong foothold in Indian market. Despite Maruti Suzuki’s dominance in the small car segment, Hyundai Santro was able to create its own space and the car is still popular among the domestic customers even after couple of years of its discontinuation in the country. As Hyundai claims, it still receives query from the buyers regarding he Santro. Inspired by that enthusiasm, Hyundai is gearing up to launch the new generation Santro here.
The new generation Hyundai Santro is expected to launch in India sometime in second half of 2018 and the brand has already discontinued Grand i10 in order to make space for the upcoming hatch. The new generation Santro will certainly come wearing a completely new and modern look in line with the brand’s contemporary global products. The new generation Hyundai Santro is likely to follow the automaker’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language.
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Expect it to get sharp headlamps with LED daytime running lights and there will be a new hexagonal front grille. A sculpted bumper will be there adding more style to the hatchback. It would run on sporty alloy wheels. Apart from that, it would also feature sharp character lines, turn indicator integrated ORVMs, blackened glass area. Rear profile of the hatchback will get compact taillights and a roof spoiler. Both front and rear fascia would receive ample amount of chrome garnishing.
New generation Santro could wear a crosslike like guise with black cladding that we have seen in Renault Kwid. Not only exterior, interior of the hatchback will come equally attractive. It would feature multifunction steering wheel, analog and digital display consisting instrument cluster. Top trim of the new Santro could receive a touchscreen infotainment system. Seat and upholstery materials will come of impressive quality and it would offer generous space to the occupants ensuring comfort. Expect necessary safety features to be offered as standard.
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On the powertrain front, the new generation Hyundai Santro is expected to receive a new 1.0-litre petrol engine that would be able to churn out generous amount of power and torque output. Transmission options will include a manual gearbox and there would be an AMT as well, as the automaker has announced all it models to get dual-pedal technology by 2020. Expect the new Santro to be priced between Rs. 4 lakh and Rs. 6 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
Expected India Launch: H2 2018
Expected India Price: Rs. 4 lakh – Rs. 6 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)
Ford B563 Premium Hatchback
Ford has been present in the country for quite long time. It has garnered pretty good success in the domestic market with cars like EcoSport compact SUV, Figo hatchback and Aspire compact sedan. In the larger SUV segment, Ford Endeavour too did pretty well. Now, the brand aims to enter another highly competitive segment with huge demand, the premium hatchback category. For this, the American auto major is working on the model that is based on the brand’s B563 platform.
Ford has developed this B563 architecture specially for the emerging markets like India, Brazil and it is expected to spawn out several future cars for our country. Speaking about the upcoming Ford premium hatchback, it will lock horns with tough rivals like Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz etc. Upon arrival, it will be positioned above Figo hatchback in Ford India’s portfolio and expect it to draw design inspiration from contemporary global Ford products.
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Ford B563 based premium hatchback is expected to come wearing a sporty guise with its hexagonal chrome garnished front grille featuring horizontal slats. There will be sharp headlamps with projector lamps and integrated LED daytime running lights. At the side profile, it would sport sharp character lines, sporty alloy wheels, turn indicator integrated ORVMs, blackened glass area, a sloping roofline and chrome embellished door handles. Rear profile would feature LED taillights, a roof spoiler and a sculpted tailgate.
Inside the cabin, this premium hatchback would arrive reflecting sporty charm blended with premiumness reflected through the stylish design and upmarket features. It would have multifunction steering wheel, analog and digital display consisting instrument cluster. There will certainly be a Ford SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment system with various advanced connectivity feature. Expect seat and upholstery to come wearing high quality materials.
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Ford B563 premium hatchback will offer generous space and comfort to the occupants inside its cabin. On the powertrain front, it will be available in both petrol and diesel engine options, while transmission options will include both manual and automatic gearbox. The petrol variant will receive Ford’s new Dragon series engine that is expected to kick out impressive power and torque output along with generous amount of fuel efficiency. Expect it to be priced competitively against its rivals. The car is likely to be priced between Rs. 5.50 lakh and Rs. 9 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
Expected India Launch: 2020
Expected India Price: Rs. 5.50 lakh – Rs. 9 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)
Kia Picanto
Kia is gearing up to enter Indian market with range of stylish upmarket products and one of them is going to be the Picanto. The Hyundai owned Koran brand has already displayed this model at an event in Delhi and at the Geneva Motor Show, the automaker displayed the new version of this India-bound car. Kia Picanto is expected to launch in the country market by 2019 and upon launch, it will be able to grab attention of many new age customers here.
Speaking about its design, Picanto sports signature Kia front grille with black mesh and sleek chrome trim highlighting it. Sharp headlamps blend perfectly with the radiator grille and there are projector lamps with integrate LED daytime running lights. Front bumper looks massive and there is a large air intake with black mesh. The vertically positioned fog lamp housings get neatly positioned lamps with chrome detailing around them.
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Moving to the side profile, Kia Picanto boasts sporty alloy wheels, subtly flared wheel arches, chrome garnished door handles, blackened glass area, turn indicator integrated ORVMs, blackened glass area with sleek chrome trim at waistline. Rear profile gets C shaped taillights, an integrated roof spoiler and a black bumper. Overall this car is expected to bring freshness to the segment.
Inside the cabin, Kia Picanto will come with sportiness and style. It features multifunction steering wheel, analog and digital display consisting instrument cluster, a large 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system at centre console with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The black dashboard gets unique shaped AC vents at both ends. Seat and upholstery come with upmarket quality material and it will offer generous amount of space and comfort to the occupants. It could get contrast stitching as well enhancing sportiness.
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On the powertrain front, India-spec Kia Picanto would be available in both petrol and diesel options. Petrol model is likely to get a 1.2-litre engine and the diesel powered model would get a 1.2-litre motor. Expect both the engines to come generating impressive power and torque output. Transmission options for the car will include both manual gearbox and AMT. Expect impressive fuel efficiency to be delivered by both the petrol and diesel powered Kia Picanto.
Expected India Launch: 2020
Expected India Price: Rs. 4 lakh – Rs. 7 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)
Hyundai Eon Facelift
Hyundai Eon is a popular small hatchback from the South Korean auto manufacturer and now, the band is preparing to launch the facelifted version of this car in the country that will lock horn with Renault Kwid and Datsun Redi Go upon arrival. The Hyundai Eon facelift will sport significant design update and more upmarket inside the cabin thanks to the introduction of new features.
Speaking about design changes, the upcoming Hyundai Eon facelift would sport a revised new front grille with loads of chrome garnishing. It will be designed in line with the other contemporary Hyundai cars available in the market. Headlamps could receive a slight change as well and the front bumper too could get a new look. With these changes, it will certainly become more stylish and attractive.
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At the side profile, the Hyundai Eon facelift would sport new design wheels, while the character lines, glass area will remain identical as the current model. The rear profile of the car is also expected to remain identical. However, we may see introduction of slightly revised taillights and a chunkier bumper as well. The overall silhouette of the small hatchback will be same as the current model.
Inside the cabin, it will offer same space as the present model, as there won’t be any dimensional change at all. In terms of design too, the upcoming Hyundai Eon facelift bear the similar design as the current model, but new colour theme could be introduced. The seat and upholstery material quality could be improved to enhance the upmarketness. It could receive a new touchscreen infotainment system at the centre console that will put it on par with the Renault Kwid, but this touchscreen infotainment system will be available in the top trims only.
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On the powertrain front, the Hyundai Eon facelift will continue with the same engines as the current model. The present Hyundai Eon gets power from a 0.8-litre petrol engine and there is a 1.0-litre engine as well. However, the smaller engine is expected to be discontinued as upgrading this engine to meet the upcoming BS-VI emission norm will be a pricey affair. On the transmission front, alongside the manual gearbox, it will sport an AT as well. Expect the price to be slightly higher than the present Eon.
Expected Price: Rs. 4 lakh – Rs. 5 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)
Expected Launch: Late 2017
2018 Honda Jazz
Jazz is Honda’s offering in the premium hatchback segment and this car competes with tough rivals like Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Elite i20 etc. Despite being a premium car from the Japanese auto giant and the premium hatchback becoming popular in the Indian market, Honda Jazz couldn’t achieve success like its rivals and this model is yet to achieve the desired sales result as well. Now in order to take the game up, Honda is preparing to launch a facelifted version of the jazz that is expected to launch here in 2018.
The facelifted hatchback has been already unveiled in Japan, where it is christened as Honda Fit. Sales of the car will commence there in June this year. The 2018 Honda Jazz facelift appears with slightly updated design and it becomes much sharper compared to the pre-facelift model. However, the overall silhouette remains same as the current model. In terms of design, the new Jazz gets a sharper front fascia incorporating new LED headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights. The Honda logo sports chrome garnishing around it and headlamps also get chrome extension.
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The front bumper looks slightly revised and it sports larger air intake, redesigned fog lamp housing and chrome trim around fog lamp. Moving to the side profile, the ne Honda Jazz features new design alloy wheels, side skirts. Apart from that, the sharp character lines remain same as the present model. Rear fascia of the premium hatchback gets a roof spoiler, LED taillights and an updated bumper as well. Dimensionally, it remains same as the current model and with that, no enhancement in space inside cabin is there.
Interior of the 2018 Honda Jazz facelift will come pretty upmarket with improved quality seat and upholstery materials. It gets a multi-function steering wheel, an updated instrument cluster with analog dials and digital MID. A 7.7-inch Digitap touchscreen infotainment system borrowed from the new City sedan at the centre console increase the upmarket feel inside the cabin. Expect more safety features to be added to the car.
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Power source for the facelifted version of the premium hatchback will include a 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine. The petrol engine is capable of churning out 87 bhp of peak power at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. On the other hand, the diesel engine is capable of kicking out 98 bhp of peak power at 3,600 rpm and 200 Nm of peak torque at 1,750 rpm. Transmission options will include a 5-speed manual gearbox, a 6-speed manual gearbox and a CVT as well.
Expected Price: Rs. 6.2 lakh – Rs. 9.7 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)
Expected Launch: 2018
Fiat Argo
Fiat is present in the country for quite long time, but the Italian auto major is not seeing desired success due to the rising competition and lack of interesting models in its portfolio. However, the FCA owned company is currently working on couple of products that could bring freshness to the lineup replacing few models like Punto hatchback and Linea sedan. The Argo hatchback is expected to replace the Punto sedan in the country and Fiat has already patented this model here. Upon arrival, it will likely lock horns with Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20.
It looks bolder compared to the Punto courtesy of the new front end bearing a bold radiator grille, new design headlamps and a restyled front bumper. The compact hatchback sits on an all-new lightweight and more rigid platform. The Fiat Argo comes with additional wheelbase ensuring more space for the occupants inside the cabin. It also gets newly designed wheels, sharper character lines and chrome finished door handles.
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The rear profile is quite distinctive too with fresh looking taillights, new bumper and a roof spoiler. Fiat says the dynamic design is compounded by the largest cabin in the segment along with 300 litres of bootspace capacity. The dashboard layout is similar to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class with triple circular AC vents mounted on a painted strip that runs along the sides and there is also a floating seven-inch touchscreen with Uconnect infotainment system.
The engine range has three options – a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit making 77 hp when used with ethanol fuel, another flex-fuel 1.3-litre four-pot engine with 109 horsepower running on ethanol and the top-of-the-line 1.8-litre E.torq motor which is good enough to produce 139 hp and comes equipped on the Precision and HGT models. However, the existing engines are likely to be carried forward for India unlike these flex-fuel units.
Fiat claims the HGT version can do zero to 100 kmph in nine seconds and has a top speed of 192 kmph. The three gearboxes on offer for Brazil include the five-speed manual as standard, an automated five-speed GSR and a six-speed automatic.
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The utilisation of high-strength steel means the torsional rigidity has increased by 7 percent with 8 percent increase in flexural stiffness and best-in-class NVH level. There are 53 different accessories provided by Mopar including tow hitch, alarm, parking sensors, 16-spoke aluminium black wheels, tinted black frosted plotter ceiling, nine-inch multimedia center and so on.
Expected Price: Rs. 6 lakh – Rs. 9 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)
Expected Launch: 2018 or 2019
2018 VW Polo
Volkswagen Polo is one of the best looking premium hatchbacks on offer in the Indian market. Despite tough competition from Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20, this car has managed to keep its slow but steady pace intact. Meanwhile the German auto major’s next gen Polo hatchback will come enhancing the appeal further. The new generation Volkswagen Polo has been already spied in South Africa and it looks much sharper and visually more appealing than the current model.
In terms of design, the new Polo gets identical silhouette, but with slight changes it looks very attractive. Up front, the headlamps get projector units and integrated LED daytime running lights. The front grille appears slightly updated and sports chrome garnishing as well. The front bumper too becomes sportier and muscular with update. There will be black insert at the front bumper. At the side profile, it will bear new design alloy wheels. Apart from that the basic design remains same with turn indicator integrated ORVMs, sharp creases, blackened glass area and a flat roofline.
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The rear profile of the new generation Volkswagen Polo gets revised taillights with LED units and a chunkier bumper. Dimensionally, this model will appear similar to the current model. A big change of this car is going to be the new platform. Thanks to Volkswagen’s MQB platform, next generation Polo hatch will be much more lightweight compared to the present model. Expect it to be around 70 kg lighter than the current model.
Interior of the Volkswagen Polo will become more upmarket than the present model. It will receive a multi-function steering wheel, updated analog and digital display consisting instrument cluster, a new larger 9.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Seat and upholstery material quality will be much better, while the space on offer is likely to remain similar as the current model.
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Globally the edgier new generation Volkswagen Polo hatchback gets 12 different powertrain options. These include a range of three-cylinder and four-cylinder motors along with a hybrid powertrain as well. However, the India-bound new Polo is expected to retain the same petrol and diesel engines as the current model. The outgoing model gets a 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine and a 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine as well. Transmission options for the upcoming model will include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Expected Price: Rs. 6 lakh – Rs. 10 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)
Expected Launch: 2018
Maruti’s Kwid Rival
Renault Kwid has earned immense popularity in the domestic market within very short span after launch. The small hatchback with crossover stance introduced a fresh trend to the country’s auto market and several other auto majors are trying to follow that. Maruti Suzuki being the biggest car brand of the country is aiming to throw challenge to Kwid with its upcoming small car that will arrive with a crossover like design. As we reported earlier, the Maruti’s Kwid rival is expected to break cover at the 2018 New Delhi Auto Expo.
At the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki showcased an unique concept christened as Crosshiker. Expect the upcoming Kwid rival Maruti hatchback to come inspired by this concept. It will sport a small SUV like stance, but smaller than the Ignis and it will sit well within the sub-four meter slab. It is expected to sport sleek headlamps and chrome finished sporty radiator grille. The front bumper would feature thick black cladding giving it a tough looking crossover stance.
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At the side profile, the hatchback will get sporty alloy wheels, sharp character lines, blackened glass area. Also, the Suzuki Crosshiker concept was displayed as a three-door model. However, the production Maruti model is expected to sport five door configuration in order to make it more practical. It could receive Kwid like side body cladding. Rear profile of the car could get a chunky bumper and wraparound compact taillights along with a roof spoiler.
It will be tough for Maruti to make the interior upmarket, but expect it to don a sporty and practical cabin. To compete with the Renault Kwid it is likely to get features like a touchscreen infotainment system, but that will be available in the top-end trim only. Apart from that, a fully digital instrument cluster will be very interesting indeed. Space and comfort on offer will be pretty decent.
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This upcoming Maruti Suzuki hatchback would get power from a 1.0-litre engine that is already available in couple of models from the Indo-Japanese automaker. On the transmission front, it would be very interesting to see if Maruti Suzuki offers an AMT gearbox alongside the manual gearbox. Expect the car to offer impressive fuel efficiency. On the pricing front, Maruti will sell it with very competitive price tag against Renault Kwid.
Expected Price: Rs. 2.5 lakh – Rs. 4 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)
Expected Launch: Sometime in 2018
Renault Kwid Racer
Renault has taken an aggressive expansion strategy in India inspired by its success in recent years with Renault Duster and Kwid. The French auto manufacturer showcased the Kwid Racer and Climber concept at the 2016 New Delhi Auto Expo. Following the success of the Kwid, the automaker is planning to introduce the Kwid based crossover in the market soon.
As we have seen the Kwid Racer at the Auto Expo, the car was very much distinctive with its C shaped LED lights, aggressive looking 18 inch alloy wheels, roof spoiler, rear diffuser, bucket seats with four points harness, Alcantara leather upholstery, digital instrument cluster, sporty looking multi spoke steering wheel with mounted controls. The car looked attractive and track ready; expect the car to hit production soon.
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The mechanism of the Kwid Racer is a mystery, but the standard car is powered by a 0.8 litre SCe petrol engine which is peppy and fuel efficient combined with the five speed manual transmission. A 1.0 L variant of the Kwid is set to hit the Indian roads soon.
Expected Launch Date: Aug 2016
Expected Price: 3.6 lakhs
2017 Nissan Micra
Nissan Micra is a small and efficient car but the outgoing model is dull in design, which is why the Japanese automaker has planned to introduce an all new Micra, which looks radically different. Spotted testing for several times the test mule of the new generation Micra suggests the car will come aggressive and bold featuring new design language.
The 2017 Nissan Micra would hit the Indian shores soon and it comes with a V motion grille at the front, sharp swept back headlamps with LED daytime running lights and revised bolder front bumper. Based on the Sway concept from 2015 Geneva Motor Show the car gets slated air intake at the lower front fascia. At the side profile the new Micra will sport sporty sharp alloy wheels, crisp character lines running through length, and a floating roof design is also expected.
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The interior would also receive change as well, and expect the car to come with multifunction steering wheel, sleek instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system as well, while the space would also be increased inside the cabin.
The India spec model would be based on a tweaked V platform which will make the car lighter, leading to make it fuel efficient. Power source would be a 0.9 litre TCe turbocharged petrol engine paired with both manual and CVT gearbox as option.
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Expected Launch Date : Auto Expo Debut
Expected Price: 5.3 lakhs