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2018 will be remembered as a roller coaster year for the Auto Industry. From groundbreaking hybrid options to launching a TESLA to space, the auto industry is on a transformation mode unlike any other in its history. Key among these was the industries united stand for future cars which are safer not just for the passengers but the environment too. This also justifies the industries conservative approach towards new car launches in 2018.
But it seems the butterfly stage is complete now and the year 2019 is all set to offer car lovers with a barrage of new offerings across all segments ranging from affordable Hatchbacks to luxury MPVs. Below we list some of the hottest new car launches in 2019 that deserve reminder dates set today itself.
The all-new Camry, with its Lexus ES 300h inspired platform, gets bigger and better both in terms of size and passenger comfort. The eight-gen Camry will be offered in a hybrid version only. It is now powered by a much improved petrol-electric powertrain. It now promises a combined power of 208hp.
Other than the reworked powertrains, the Toyota Camry exterior gets aggressive styling with a strikingly new cabin. Feature list includes all-new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-inch head-up display and a 7.0-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster. In its segment, the new Camry will carry a Rs 39 lakh (ex-showroom) price-tag and take on the likes of skoda Superb, Volkswagen Passat and Honda Accord.
The India-bound Kicks is bigger than its international sibling. The international trim is underpinned by the V platform but the India-spec Kicks rests on the bigger M0 platform. In addition to this, the India-spec Kicks gets 7-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlamps and cruise control along with an all-new 8.0-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
In a segment which is already overcrowded with options, Nissan has its hopes pegged on segment first features like the 360-degree surround-view camera to drive sales. Under the hood, it carries the same petrol and diesel variants of the 1.5-liter engine with manual transmission settings. The 106hp, 1.5-liter petrol trim is coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox whereas the 1.5-liter K9K diesel trim comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox respectively.
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Whoever said, “What's there in the name ?”... Try saying this to a Maruti Wagon R Fan. One of India’s most revered brand, the Wagon-R is making a comeback this year in an all-new AMT avatar. The most iconic tall-boy hatchback also gets revised styling with rounded curves packed in a slightly bigger frame. The increased dimensions provide for much-desired passenger comfort complemented further by great legroom and reclining seats. The new WagonR is based on the same platform as the retiring model.
For power duties, it will depend on the same three-cylinder, a 1.0-liter engine which comes mated to a 5-speed manual and AMT options. A CNG variant will also be on offer. Higher-spec trims will also offer a SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system. On Indian roads, it will lock horns against the likes of Hyundai Santro, Datsun Go facelift, Tata Tiago and its other sibling Celerio.
There is no AMT or AWD on offer with Tata’s next in line offering ‘Harrier’, yet it remains the most anticipated new car for 2019. It rests on the same platform that underpins its stable-mate the Land Rover Discovery Sport. In addition to the base, the Harrier also is equipped with Land Rover inspired Terrain Response controller for the ESP. This gives this SUV a true off-roader capability.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles made 140hp, a 2.0-liter diesel engine will power this beast. The engineer will also have three drive modes – Eco, City, and Sport. Tata Harrier seemed to have ticked all the right boxes as far as the exterior styling, the interior space and the cabin feature-list goes. In terms of safety too, the Harrier is loaded with features that could give its immediate segment rivals a good run for their money. All eyes, for now, are fixed on the announcement for the price tag on the Harrier.
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The 2019 V-class is more than just another car launch for the German Automaker. It marks the automaker's re-entry to the premium luxury MPV segment. The retiring model has completed its four anniversaries since going on sale in 2014. The India-bound V Class will be shipped as CBU. Depending on the market response, the V-class could see the local assembly in future with a marked change in the price tag. Under the hood, the India-spec V-class will be powered by Mercedes-Benz’s 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine upgraded to fit in new BS VI-compliance norms.
The luxury MPV will be offered in two seating configurations – six-seater and seven-seater. Both trims will come equipped with a seven-speed automatic gearbox as well as carry a premium price tag in the Rs 75-80 lakh range (ex-showroom).
Saving the best for the last in our list, following its November 2018 International Debut, BMW X7 is all set to enter the Indian Auto Market in the first month of 2019 itself. The premium luxury offering will carry a whopping Rs 1.6 crore price tag. The BMW German automaker will initially launch the range-topping M50d variant followed by other variants later. Here are the key highlights of the BMW X7 M50d.
The other variants i.e xDrive40i (340hp, 3.0-litre petrol) and xDrive30d (265hp, 3.0-litre diesel) are slated for a September 2019 CKD release. The cabin in all the variants is reminiscent of the X5’s and may be offered in a six-seat and seven-seat arrangement.
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