The festive season is just around the corner and the carmakers in India are in high spirits as they are rolling up their sleeves to introduce the latest offerings in the market. As we know while some of the models, which are already on the roads will go under the knife for a makeover, there are also exotic and brand new models shaping up to excite the crowd. The coming months therefore will be exciting for the motor loyalists.
As the two-wheeler and carmakers look to turn their fortunes around with new offerings in what is turning out to be an intensely competitive industry, here, we go beyond the details by listing everything you need to know about the upcoming cars and bikes this November.
Skoda Rapid facelift
Expected launch: November 3
The Rapid sedan is gearing up for a makeover in India. The sedan, which has been part of the Indian roads since 2011 is getting a facelifted avatar on November 3.
The Rapid facelift was caught on camera numerous times and from the images it is understood that the sedan will sport major changes at the front. In its new avatar, the Rapid is expected to feature a new front grille and headlamps.
Under the hood, the Rapid is expected to feature the same 1.6 MPI petrol mill in the new model too. However, the diesel mill is rumoured to make way for the new 1.5-litre diesel unit of the Ameo compact sedan. The Ameo diesel generates 108bhp at 4,000rpm and 25Nm of torque at 1,500-3,000rpm.
Hyundai Tucson
Expected launch: November 14
The Tucson, the SUV that is expected to enter the territory of Honda CR-V, Skoda Yeti and Mahindra XUV500 in India, will be launched in India on November 14. Hyundai Tucson is already open for bookings in India and is expected to get a price tag starting at Rs 18 lakh.
Based on Fluidic 2.0 design philosophy of Hyundai, the Tucson will sit between Creta and Santa Fe in India. Tucson is expected to get a 2.0-litre diesel engine under the hood that can churn out 180bhp and 400Nm of torque mated to six-speed manual transmission.
Volvo S90
Expected launch: November 4
Swedish car-maker Volvo will expand its presence in the Indian market with the new addition of luxury the S90 in November. The S90 is expected to make its grand debut in the country on November 4. Expected to fall in the price brackets of Rs 57 lakh to Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom), the S90 will rival Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. Based on Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) technology, the S90 will come powered top-end trim Inscription initially to India.
Volvo is reportedly also looking to bring the D5 engine with all-wheel drive later. The D5 of the S90 has the capacity to pump in a power of 233bhp.
New Toyota Fortuner
Expected launch: November 7
The much-awaited the new iteration of the Fortuner SUV is also on its way to the Indian market this festive season. Toyota will take the wraps off the new Fortuner in India on November 7. To be pitted against Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Ford Endeavour, the Fortuner in its new avatar will come with lots of goodies, including 7-inch T-Connect infotainment system, reverse camera, electrically adjustable driver's seat and cruise control.
The engine line-up of the new SUV is likely to include 2.8-litre GD diesel and a 2.7-litre petrol engines. While the diesel variant will generate a power of 175bhp, the petrol mill will be tuned to pump in 158bhp of power. In the international markets, Fortuner is sold with a 2.4-litre GD and 2.8-litre GD diesel engines. While the 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV diesel unit develops 148bhp and 400Nm of torque, the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV unit churns out 175bhp and 450Nm of torque.
Nissan GT-R
Expected launch: November 9
Here it is. The iconic supercar from the house of Nissan, the GT-R, is set to make its entry into the Indian market in November. The pre-order window for the GT-R is already open in the country and the company is expected to reveal the pricing on November 9.
Expected to be priced at around Rs 2 crore, the 2017 Nissan GT-R gets 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that develops 565bhp at 6,400rpm and 633Nm of peak torque, the car can attain 0-100 kmph in less than 3 seconds.
Nissan GT-R will be available in Vibrant Red, Blue Racing, Ultimate Silver, Gun Metallic, Black Metallic, Pearl White and Katsura Orange shades in India.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS
Expected launch: November
The Baleno RS, the powerful variant of premium hatchback Baleno, will be the next model to join the Nexa floor of Maruti Suzuki in India. The Boosterjet variant of the hatchback would look identical to the regular model, but will come packed with additional features like side skirts and new diamond cut alloy wheels.
The Baleno RS will be powered by the Boosterjet of Suzuki, which would churn out close to 110bhp of power and 170Nm of peak torque. It will take on the likes of Fiat Abarth Punto, Ford Figo 1.5-litre petrol and Volkswagen Polo GT TSI in India.
Bajaj Kratos VS400
Expected launch: November
Kratos VS400, the new flagship model from Pune-based two-wheeler maker Bajaj is poised for its market launch in India in November. The motorcycle, which has been keeping the bike lovers in the country on tenterhooks for nearly two years, is finally getting ready for its launch.
The Kratos VS400, which is also known as Pulsar CS400 (Cruiser Sport) and Pulsar VS400 is expected to enter a new territory in India, which is currently being dominated by Royal Enfield.
It is expected to come powered by a 373cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve triple-spark, fuel-injected mill mated to six-speed transmission. The engine is expected to pump in a power of 40bhp and 30Nm of peak torque.
The Kratos VS400 is also rumoured to get a base variant with 34bhp of power. As for pricing, expect Bajaj's new offering to see a price tag starting at Rs 1.7 lakh.
Vespa 946 Emporio Armani, 70th Anniversary edition
Expected launch: November
Vespa will bring the 946 Emporio Armani and the 70th anniversary range of scooters in India in November. The 946 Emporio Armani, the limited edition variant of the 946, one of the most stylish Vespa scooters is expected to be priced at around Rs 8 lakh.
It comes powered by a 4-stroke 125cc 3Valve monocylinder engine. The 946 is tuned to churn out 11.7hp at 8250rpm and a peak torque of 10.3Nm torque at 7000rpm. On the other hand, the 70th anniversary edition of Vespa was launched to celebrate the company's milestone.
The range is likely to come in two schemes — Azzurro 70 and Grigio 70.
