As we inch closer to the end of this year and look back on all the good times, car enthusiasts in particular will look forward to five new car launches which are due for launch in January 2018. The upcoming car list for January includes – Datsun Redi-GO AMT, Lamborghini Urus, Lexus LS, Audi Q5 and the Range Rover Velar. Interestingly, the New Year will begin a wide range of cars which ranges between the humble Redi-GO AMT to the performance focused Urus SUV. Here below, is a brief description on the upcoming vehicles -
Datsun Redi-GO AMT
Datsun’s entry level tall boy, the Redi-GO has been a considerable contributor to the company’s overall sales. Limited to five-speed manual transmission until now, the company plans to launch the AMT version in January 2018. The AMT will come mated to a 1.0-litre petrol engine that generates 67bhp of power and 91Nm of torque. Apart from a new AMT transmission the new Redi-GO variant does not get any major upgrade. As for the pricing, it is believed that the vehicle might cost an additional Rs 30,000 over the regular model.
Lexus LS
Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus will be launching the LS 500h sedan in India on 15 January 2018. Powering the car will be a hybrid 3.5 litre V6, assisted by two electric motors giving the car a combined output of 354bhp. This along with the 10-speed transmission is enough to propel the LS 500h to a 100kmph in a quick 5.2 seconds. Unlike conventional cars, the Lexus LS gets a long bonnet and a short boot. Inside it gets premium upholstery and wood trim on the dashboard and door panels. It also gets an LCD instrument cluster with dials which are inspired by the mighty LFA supercar. On the pricing aspect, the vehicle is expected to be priced around Rs 1.5 crore and will go against the likes of Maybach S500 and the BMW 750 Li M Sport in India.
Audi Q5
Audi will launch the new Q5 in India on 18 January 2018. The company claims that the new model is lighter by 100kgs and this time around gets more modern and sharper lines. The vehicle also gets a new single-frame grille along with Matrix LED headlights and LED tail lamps. Powertrain options include a 2.0-litre Quattro Ultra TDI diesel mill tuned to produce either 163bhp in one trim, and 190bhp and 400Nm of peak torque in another. Audi might add a petrol version too powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine churning out 252bhp of power. We can also expected Audi to offer the Quattro all-wheel drive system.
Range Rover Velar
Jaguar Land Rover will begin the New Year with the all-new Velar in India. The upcoming vehicle will be positioned between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. Under the hood are a choice of one petrol and two diesel engine options. The entry-level 2.0-litre straight-four D180 Ingenium diesel produces 177bhp/430Nm while the 3.0-litre D300 puts out 296bhp/700Nm. The petrol P250 2.0-litre four-pot pushes out 246/400Nm. All the engines come mated to eight-speed automatic gearboxes and power all four wheels. The Velar gets all the creaturely comfort features, infotainment and safety equipment. The new Touch-Pro Duo infotainment system is also available for smartphone mirroring and gesture control. Moreover, the SUV gets a panoramic sunroof, individual zone climate control, power gesture tailgate and Navigation Pro, with personalisation packs.
Lamborghini Urus
Performance car manufacturer Lamborghini will launch the Urus SUV in India on 11 January 2018. The Urus debuts a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 621bhp/850Nm of torque with power going to all four wheels via a new AWD system and an eight-speed AT. The cabin shares many elements with the Huracan and Aventador-like the instrument cluster, steering wheel and stacked centre console but everything has been given a softer look to match the family oriented image of the car. To give out a premium feel, the company offers electrically adjustable leather seats and multi-zone climate control in addition to other features that are offered in the cars form this segment and price category.
