New car launches for January

The New Year brings with it many new cars, some of them scheduled to launch within the next few weeks. Mahindra and Mercedes-Benz have already confirmed dates for their scheduled launches, while our sources hint at the debut of couple of others. Here is a compiled list of cars that you will be able to buy before the end of this month.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG coupe: Continuing its product offensive from 2015, Mercedes was first to announce its plans. The BMW X6 rival, which is basically a cross between an SUV and a large sedan, will be launched in India on January 12. 

The GLE 450 AMG coupe uses the new Mercedes design language with an aggressive front and plenty of creases on the side. The five-seater utility vehicle will be part of company’s performance range using the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine producing 362bhp and 516Nm of torque. 

Expected price: Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.2 crore.

Mahindra KUV100: Mahindra has been eyeing the lucrative small car segment for a long time. But instead of associating with another brand for a small monocoque vehicle, this time they have done it in typical Mahindra style. The result is the KUV100 that is basically a Maruti Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 rival, but looks brutish and almost like a compact SUV.  

There is still limited information available about the car, but we know it comes with both the petrol and diesel engine options. Both the engines have three-cylinder configuration with a petrol engine developing 82bhp and 114Nm, while the diesel is tuned to deliver 77bhp and 170Nm. The Mahindra KUV100 will be launched in India on January 15.

Expected price: Rs 5.25 lakh to Rs 7.25 lakh

Tata Zica: The Zica is a new model in the Tata lineup, which will be positioned below the Bolt hatchback and will eventually replace the aging Indica range. The hatchback uses Tata’s new HorizonNext design philosophy with large smiling grille and sweptback headlamps.

Like all the new Tata cars, Zica is feature loaded. The top-end gets a Harman music system with eight speakers, navigation, USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity, two airbags, ABS-EBD, rear parking sensors and a large 242litre boot. The hatchback will be available with both petrol and diesel engine options, mated to the front-wheels via the five-speed manual transmission. The Tata Zica will rival the Maruti Suzuki Celerio and although the launch date is not confirmed yet, the hatchback will certainly debut before the end of this month.

Expected price: Rs 3.90 lakh to Rs 4.50 lakh.

Ford Endeavour: The extra-large seven-seater SUV has received a major overhaul both in terms of looks and mechanicals, now, making it a strong contender in the premium SUV segment.

Apart from the new looks, the SUV gets additional features including a large touchscreen music system and sunroof. However, the biggest USP of the five-metre UV continues to be space. There is plenty in all three rows, also when folded, the rear can create boot space of up to 2300 litres. At the time of the launch, the Endeavour will have two diesel engine options – 2.2-litre diesel producing 148bhp and 3.2-litre diesel engine producing 197bhp. The Ford Endeavour will compete with the Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in the Indian market.

Expected price: Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.