Cars expected to launch in India in the first quarter of FY 2019-20

Various automobile manufacturers like Tata Motors, Mahindra, Toyota and Renault India have announced a hike in prices, citing reasons like an increase in input costs due to the rising prices of iron and steel along with the change in market conditions due to growing inventory costs. These factors could affect the demand of both, cars and motorcycles in the upcoming months. Further, with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the market is expected to be volatile as there is an uncertainty over new reforms that will come into place. However, automobile manufacturers will be countering these factors with new launches. Also, with the new BS-VI emission norms slated to come into effect from April 2020, the sales of BS-IV vehicles are expected to grow this year, in a bid to clear stocks. While April 2020 is still a year away, here's a list of cars we are expecting to get launched in India in the next few months, particularly the first quarter of the financial year 2019-20, which starts next week.

Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue SUV will take on the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport and the Tata Nexon. It is expected to be powered by a 1.0-litre T-GDi turbo-petrol producing 120PS and 117Nm, which will most likely be made by Hyundai India locally. Accompanying the turbo-petrol will be Hyundai's naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre Kappa petrol, that produces 84PS and 117Nm. Diesel variants will be powered by the 1.4-litre U2 CRDi motor that produces 90PS of power and 224Nm of torque. More details on the Hyundai Venue SUV can be read here.

How much? Rs 12-15 lakh, expected

When? June 2019

Hyundai Tucson Facelift

The facelift brings with it the new family face cascading grille, tweaked lighting details and a new floating touchscreen. There is a new 1.6-litre turbo petrol, with 177PS and 265Nm, on offer internationally, though it's unsure if we'll get it. The premium SUV will be available internationally in two variants, the turbocharged 1.6-litre and the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine. More details on the Hyundai Tucson facelift here.

How much? Rs 19-27 lakh, expected

When? May 2019

Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift

The most advanced Mercedes-Benz on roads in mid-2019 will not be the S-Class, but the new GLE. Completely re-engineered, the GLE will debut a range of new engines, a third row of seats and advanced suspension technology, apart from cabin tech. Head to our first drive for an overview of what it's like to drive. The GLE-Class in its present form has been around since 2012, first launching as the ML-Class. The SUV has been updated regularly but expectedly falls short of newer rivals like the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Range Rover Sport. This new change should bring in Mercedes' latest tech and improved driver engagement to what should be a popular offering for the brand.

How much? Rs 85 lakh, expected

When? August 2019

Jeep Trailhawk

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is the hardcore variant of the Compass and comes with a major upgrade in kit for serious off-roading. The Compass Trailhawk comes with Jeep's active drive low-range 4WD system as well as a new Rock Mode for its Selec-Drive system. In addition to this, the Compass Trailhawk has 20mm more ground clearance than the standard Compass. More details here. Expect Jeep to offer the Compass Trailhawk with just the two-litre diesel from the standard Jeep Compass in India. Jeep will introduce a nine-speed automatic transmission as an option with the two-litre diesel engine.

How much? Rs 25-30 lakh, expected

When? June 2019

Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona electric SUV will be the first electric SUV in India. It is said that this SUV will offer a driving range second to none, and will make long-distance travelling possible too, something that has been a big hurdle for EVs in India. The Indian-spec car, expected in 2019, is set to be offered with the base 135PS, 300km range electric motor. The 39.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack that this motor is paired with, propels the electric Kona from 0 to 100 kmph in 9.3s and onto a top speed of 167kmph, mainly due to its 395Nm of torque available from standstill. This battery can be fully charged in six hours or gain 80 per cent charge (240km range) in an hour with a fast charger. More details on the Hyundai Kona here.

How much? Rs 25 lakh, expected

When? June 2019

MG Hector

The MG Hector SUV will be based on the China-spec Baojun 530. However, it has been confirmed, that the MG Motor version will be heavily re-engineered to make sure it withstands Indian driving conditions. The platform is expected to remain largely similar to the Baojun 530. The MG Hector will come with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, the specifics of which haven't been shared - though in China it gets a NA 1.8-litre petrol, or a 1.5-litre turbo petrol, mated to an in-house developed six speed DCT. MG Motor will have its work cut out for itself with the ZS given the established competition it will have to face in this segment. While the diesel engine is the 2.0-litre that also does duty in the Jeep Compass and the Tata Harrier, the state of tune in the MG Hector will vary. More details here.

How much? Rs 15 lakh, expected

When? Mid 2019

BMW New 3 Series

It's the size of one of the last generation 5 Series, so you're technically getting your money's worth. New-gen car also moves BMW interiors into the future, finally. As to how it drives, head to our first drive review for more. The 3 Series also moves to the CLAR architecture, sharing it with the 5 Series. This has led to up to a 55kg weight reduction. The car is now larger both, inside and out, the wheelbase has grown by 41mm, and boot space has also grown by 36 litres. The full suite of safety and driver assistance software is available as is a GPS-enabled eight speed automatic gearbox. Adaptive suspension and xDrive AWD are optional extras.

How much? Rs 45 lakh, expected

When? June 2019