The year 2008 saw nearly 50 new cars introduced in India. The Audi R-8 was introduced. It is the top of the line sports car aimed at the Porsche 911, a car that is a legend. The R-8 has V-8 Z 4.2-litre engine that puts out 420 bhp, and rockets the car to 100 kmph in less than five seconds. The looks are stunning and the car has a super luxury interior. The beauty is that it is a road car, meaning it can be driven every day. The price? Just over Rs 1 crore. BMW will bring out a new three series. It will have a 2-litre or 3-litre petrol engine, or a 3-litre turbo diesel. The car looks much the same as last year’s model but actually there are plenty of changes in the 2009 model. It is available at Rs 30 lakh—starting price.
A new seven series will also be in the offing to do battle with the S-class Mercedes. The speciality of this car has always been that it is a luxury limousine with the manners of a thorough-bred sports car. Two engines will be on offer—a 4.3-litre petrol or 3-litre diesel. The models available will be 750-Li, 730-D and 740-I. The prices start at Rs 75 lakh.
GM could be bringing the Captiva at Rs 22 lakh. The automatic gear-box and a 2-litre turbo diesel engine will give competition to the Honda CRV and Suzuki Vitara— both on petrol engine. The Cruze, which GM says “is the most important car in our history,” is a 4-seater coupe. The Cruze is a good-looking car. With inputs from GM’s US, Korea and Europe offices, it is a global car in every sense. The Cruze is full of gadgets and gizmos and could help GM’s sagging fortunes. The price is Rs 13 lakh with a 1.8-litre petrol engine, or a 2-litre diesel.
The Spark will be available for Rs 2.8 lakh, one of the cheapest cars and best buys. The Spark has a 4-cylinder 1,000 cc engine putting out 63 bhp. Fiat is on a charge with three new models to be introduced next year. The Bravo at Rs 25 lakh will be a premium hatch. It will have the 1.9-litre multi-jet diesel engine, pumping out 148 bhp. It should be a great looking performer.
Also coming is the Fiat Linea to be priced between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 8 lakh. It is a mid-size saloon to take on the Maruti SX-4 and Honda City. Its greatest asset will be the 1.3-litre multi-jet engine, doing service in the Swift. A 1.4-litre petrol engine will also be available.
Another hatchback will be the Fiat’s Grand Punto, which will cost between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 6 lakh. The highly respected 1.3-litre multi-jet engine will power the hatch. A 1200 cc petrol engine will be an option. Now, if Fiat could only get its after-sales-act together, these cars will be winners.
Talking of diesel engine cars, the SX-4 will be available with a diesel engine. Guess what? With a Fiat 1.3-litre multi-jet engine. The price will be approximately Rs 9 lakh. Another new release from Maruti will be the Splash. A family hatch, a cut above the Swift, it will have a diesel engine.
Honda will introduce the Jazz, finally a small car with a 1.5-litre engine. Also rumoured, a 1.2-litre engine to help maintain quality as a real small car. The price will be between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 6 lakh.
Now hear this. Honda Accord, priced at Rs 22 lakh plus, will have a 2.2-litre I CDTi diesel engine. It will be Honda’s first offering of a diesel engine in the country. There will also be a 3.4-litre petrol engine, but who is going to look at this when a diesel option is available? The diesel option for the lightweight Accord will make it fuel efficient, and that is what matters to the Indian buyer.
Considering the reputation that Toyata has, the world’s number one auto manufacturer, the Fortuner has been conspicuous by its absence. The 3-litre engine, putting out 163 bhp, will give the Ford Endeavour Thunder, Chevy Captiva, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-trail and any other car in this segment sleepless nights. Ratan Tata’s Nano should be on the roads by early 2009.
Now, that’s happy motoring and a happy New Year.
