Car Launches In 2010

Year 2010 has so far been a very significant one for the Indian auto sector. The sector has seen a number of launches by global car manufacturers and world class products coming to India. The country also saw the incoming of made-for-India cars and production bases shifting to the country. Some Indian manufacturers like Tata got global attention and are on the road to entering into the developed markets. But this is just the tip of the iceberg as there are many more significant events lined up to happen in the year. A slew of new launches are just one of those many significant things scheduled to happen. So, here is a look at all those brand new cars that are soon going to ply on Indian roads.

BMW X1

BMW showcased this beauty at the Delhi Auto Expo and this next generation car has state of the art technology and features and is comparatively low priced. The BMW X1 is expected to be powered by a diesel engine and would fall in the price range of Rs 25 – 30 lakh. Its not just the looks BMW X1 promises to be a safe car equipped with ABS (Antilock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), dual front airbags and side ITS head airbags, alarm system with remote control and engine immobilizer, front and rear anti roll bars, central locking, child lock, crash sensor, front and rear fog lamps, halogen headlamps, front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioner and belt force limiter, side impact protection and many more features.

Tata Aria

Tata Aria is a versatile cross-over and with features common to premium SUVs it is bound to make a mark for itself. It is an eight-seater luxurious MUV build on the roadster concept and comes with a 2.2L, DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail) engine. This is being hailed as the most sophisticated Tata ever and is expected to fall in the price range if Rs 10-15 lakh. Tata Aria is being dubbed as the most sophisticated Tata till date. The Tata Aria CUV in India would come with a four wheel drive option. Tata Aria was also on display at the recently-concluded 80th Geneva Auto Show. The Tata Aria is being hailed as the most advanced and expensive Tata and has a plethora of new and advanced features. The brakes would be disc type coupled with ABS and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system. The ESP is the first of Tata cars to be offered with. The Tata Aria is going to handle very well on city and even off the road as the car is packed with a number of class best features. Aria's power steering, efficient braking system with ESP and standard ground clearance ensure hassle free driving.

Skoda Yeti

With a price tag approximately between Rs 12-15 lakh the Yeti would be placed between Skoda Fabia and Skoda Octavia. The Skoda Yeti is an all new compact SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) would have both petrol and diesel engine option. This one is being expected to be a great performer. Skoda Yeti would be introducing new engines and new technical solutions. Yeti's off-road regime that adapts the settings of the electronic systems to driving on rough terrain and movable hooks in the luggage space are going to be a few new features..

Skoda Yeti's front has a markedly shaped radiator grill surrounded by four headlights, whereas the rear is very basic. The car has compact dimensions and boasts of easy controllability and manoeuvrability. Skoda Yeti's enhanced mudguards and silver under body protection strips assist while driving in rough terrain. The glass spaces of the windows on Skoda Yeti stand-out in design and complement the electrically controlled two-part panoramic sunroof and crossways roof rack.

Nissan Micra

Nissan Motor Company's first made-in-India car is expected to make its debut with a price tag of Rs 4-5 lakh. Nissan Micra would come with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and has been developed on Nissan's V-platform. Micra was designed and tested in Japan and would be available in 150 countries worldwide. Nissan Micra would have stylish dual tone interiors with dual tone dashboard and an advanced instrument panel. Micra would also have dual front airbags, ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) and anti-skid system make up for the car's safety gear. News is that the Nissan Micra would come in six variants with both petrol and diesel engine option.

Maruti Cervo

The Maruti Cervo is all set to give competition to the higher models of Tata Nano. It is being speculated that the Maruti Cervo would be priced between Rs 1.5 – Rs 2 lakh. The car is a five door hatchback model and has a spacious passenger cabin. It would come with a 0.7L, 660cc petrol engine with a claimed fuel economy of 21-22kmpl. Braking system in Maruti Cervo will be conventional type that will follow front disc and rear drum brake. We can't expect ABS system in this price range. The car will also house newer shock absorbers. The suspensions are responsible for smooth driving which not only increase riding pleasure but safety also.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Popularly called Evo X, the car would be available in 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed twin clutch transmission. The price tag is expected to be around Rs 30 lakh and this launch is a part of the revamped strategies by Mitsubishi Motor. The car's engine would have turbocharged MIVEC technology that controls valve timing electronically. The top speed of the Indian EVO X will be 250 kmph.

Toyota Avanza

Toyota Avanza is to be positioned below the Toyota Innova and likely to be a sort of mini Innova. The MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle) is expected to be priced between Rs 6 – 9 lakh. The Toyota Avanza might have the 1495cc engine present in Thailand model. This 1.5L petrol engine consists of 4 cylinder, DOHC 16 valve matted with VVTi technology.

Maruti Kizashi

Kizashi is Maruti Suzuki's first product in the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment. Kizashi falls in the D segment and is expected to come with a 2.4 AWD engine sporting 18 inch alloy wheels and a 425 Rockford Fosgate audio system with iPod and bluetooth connectivity. The car is expected to cost around Rs 12 lakh. The car reached North American showrooms in December last year and so far about 300-400 units have been sold. Suzuki showcased all four trims of the 2010 Kizashi at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

Skoda Roomster

Skoda Roomster will come as a five door MUV from Skoda's stable. The MUV is likely to get 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines and 1.4-litre and 1.8-liter diesel engines. The Skoda Roomster would compete with Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Captiva and Toyota Fortuner and would fall in the price range of Rs 16-18 lakh.

Toyota Etios

This is Toyota's first hatch especially designed for India. The car is suppose to have DOHC 16-valve engine with a 1200cc displacement and is expected to be priced around Rs 5 lakh. Toyota would be manufacturing Etios in both hatchback and sedan variants. Etios was at display at the Delhi auto Expo 2010 and evoked curiosity among onlookers. The hatch and notchback segment of Etios have a sharp and big smiling grille that has been high-mounted especially for India and give the car a very tough look. The launch date is not yet confirmed but as per the speculations in the market Etios is expected to hit the roads by 2010 end.