To be honest, 2016 was a year that saw many ups and downs for the Indian auto industry. It was one hell of a bumpy ride, but automakers are looking forward to 2017 with a lot of optimism. There is a pretty interesting line-up of cars waiting to hit the market this year. So, if you are looking to buy a new car this year, you are going to be bombarded with choices. And if you are worried about financing your purchase at any time, we’re always here to help with our amazing Car Loan offers.
Additional Reading: 7 Things To Consider Before Applying For A Car Loan
Domestic demand has been on the downslide since the demonetisation episode that swept the nation recently. Although, it wasn’t just the demonetisation wave that had an impact on the auto sales. The other major events that took a toll on automobile sales were the reduction in incentive for R&D by the government, the ban on the registration of diesel vehicles and SUVs over 2,000cc and the decision to move towards BS VI by 2020.
It’s still too early to predict what 2017 has in store for the fortunes of the Indian automobile industry. However, auto makers are quite optimistic. At least that’s what we can assume from line-up of new cars in the offing this year. It looks like 2017 is going to see a lot of action in the auto industry, starting from face-lifts of popular models to new variants to brand-new launches. Here’s a quick look at a few of the brand-new cars that you should watch out for in 2017:
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
The Ignis made its Indian debut at the Auto Expo 2016. However, it hit the market only a few days ago. And it was launched with great pomp and gusto. It is retailed through Nexa dealerships and is available in petrol and diesel variants, priced between Rs. 4.59 lakh and Rs. 7.80 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
This sub-4 metre hatchback, considered a successor to the Wagon R, boasts a fresh and youthful design, a tallboy stance and an SUV-like appearance. According to Maruti Suzuki, the petrol variant delivers up to 20.89 kmpl and the diesel delivers up to 26.8 kmpl.
The 1.3 Alpha diesel variant of this challenger to the Mahindra KUV100 and the Hyundai Grandi10 could be yours at an EMI of around Rs. 15,000 over 5 years.
Tata Hexa
The Tata Hexa also rolled out into the Indian market a few days ago. The base model is priced at Rs. 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This MPV is a replacement for the Tata Aria. However, it sports an all-new design (a “signature impact design”, as Tata calls it). Although the Aria didn’t quite do well, let’s hope the Hexa receives a warmer response from consumers.
This 6-speed manual transmission Hexa is powered by a 2.2-litre Varicor diesel engine and claims a mileage of 17.6 kmpl.
Tata’s second attempt to rule the premium UV space, currently dominated by the likes of the Mahindra XUV500 and the Toyota Innova Crsyta, could be yours at an EMI of around Rs. 34,000 over 5 years.
Volkswagen Tiguan
One of Volkswagen’s most successful cars in the international market, the Tiguan, is all set to make its Indian premiere. You can expect this SUV to launch by the mid of 2017. The Volkswagen Tiguan will mark the entry of Volkswagen into the premium SUV segment in India. It will be competing against the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner and Chevrolet Captiva.
This compact SUV will be equipped with a 2.0-litre diesel engine under the hood. It should be priced anywhere between Rs. 20 to 25 lakhs (estimated price in New Delhi).
Additional Reading: India’s Top 7 Cars Of 2016
Tata Kite 5
After its showstopper stunt (within Tata’s pavilion) at the Auto Expo 2016, this subcompact sedan is gearing up for its market launch. You can expect it to hit the market in mid-2017. This upcoming Tata sedan will be available in both petrol (1.2 litre) and diesel (1.05 litre) engine options.
Based on the Tiago, the Kite 5 was praised for its refreshing design during its Auto Expo debut. As far as design is concerned, it does borrow quite a few elements from the Tiago. It is likely to be priced between Rs. 4 to 6 lakhs (New Delhi).
Tata Nexon
Tata’s compact SUV offering, the Tata Nexon, will be making its debut in the market this year. The Nexon’s futuristic design grabbed a lot of eyeballs during the Auto Expo this year. Apart from its eye-catching design, this vehicle also comes loaded with features. As per sources, the Nexon is expected to be available in a 1.2-litre petrol variant and a new 1.5-litre diesel variant. You can expect this Tata vehicle to be priced anywhere between Rs. 6.5 to 10 lakh (New Delhi).
Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda’s full-size SUV, the Skoda Kodiaq, will make its Indian premiere by September 2017. As far as design is concerned, the Kodiaq borrows heavily from the Skoda Superb, but nevertheless the exterior design is simply admirable. This SUV is likely to be available in the 2.0-litre diesel and petrol engine options. You can expect the price to be in the Rs. 25 to 30 lakh bracket (New Delhi). Also, the Kodiaq is expected to be available in 5-seater and 7-seater options.
Toyota Vios
Toyota will be launching the Vios, a premium C-segment sedan, to compete against the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the VW Vento. This sedan should be available in the market by March 2017.
The Vios does steal a lot of design cues from its siblings, the Etios and the Corolla Altis. It is likely to be available in both petrol (1.5 L) and diesel (1.4) engines. It will be priced between Rs. 8 to 11 lakhs (New Delhi).
Which of these launches are your desperately waiting for? Let us know in the comments section below. Also, if you want help to finance a new set of wheels for yourself, we have amazing Car Loan offers for you. Just saying!