Top seven India-bound vehicles spied in August

All the major manufacturers around the globe are exploiting the summer. The cladded prototypes of the upcoming vehicles were all out in the summer sun. Our spy sleuths didn’t miss the opportunity to capture them either. Here are few of the cars that were spotted testing last month that are most likely to hit the Indian shores.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz facelift

We bring to you the India-exclusive images of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz facelift spotted testing in Spain. The test mule was a right-hand drive model targeted for the Indian, Asian, Latin American and Chinese markets. The mid-life update of the Japanese sedan was hiding re-designed bumpers both fore and aft along with revised grille. The sedan will get an updated feature list and a new engine upon its Indian debut.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

CarWale reader Ketan Thakkar spotted the ASEAN-spec Swift in Thailand. Since the Indian and Thailand markets are pretty similar, we expect that the same-spec Swift will make its way to our shore. Although the test mule was a left-hand drive model, the interior and the exterior styling was on par with the Japanese or the Euro-spec Swift. The prototype was missing a touchscreen infotainment system though.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The test mule of the Santa Fe was rocking a new fascia with the grille and headlamp inspired by the Kona compact SUV. The next-gen model is expected to be larger, more rugged with a longer wheelbase and feature-rich cabin. The Korean carmaker is also working on a variant that will accommodate eight passengers rather than seven. The new-gen Santa Fe is expected to be revealed in a couple of years. 

Mini Cooper S 5-door

The entire Mini lineup will undergo an update this year. The Cooper 5-door S was spotted with a mid-life cosmetic update. It includes new lighting signature in headlamps and tail lights. The cabin too gets a slight revision. The mechanicals, however, will remain the same. The updated Mini range is expected to make a global premiere at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show

Audi Q3

Audi is working on a lighter and more upmarket Q3 new that will arrive next year. It will adopt the new MQB platform, thus saving weight, further easing the manufacturing efforts and open a possibility of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The crossover will even grow in dimension. The new platform will also open up a range of new engine possibilities for the Q3. 

Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan

A test mule of the A-Class sedan has been spotted for the first time. Cued from the Concept A Sedan from Shanghai Motor Show, the A-Class sedan looks like a scaled down CLA. The prototype has a typical sedan silhouette, unlike the CLA. It also has a higher roofline that translates into more headroom for the rear occupants. The new A-Class sedan is expected to break cover next year.

Lexus ES

Two test mules of the Japanese sedan were caught testing in the remote deserts of Arizona, alongside its direct rivals – the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6. The new-gen ES is expected to move to the TNGA (Toyota’s New Global Architecture) platform; sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Camry. The new ES will reportedly serve as a replacement for the executive GS sedan.