Car re-launching
Hyundai Tucson, Honda Civic, Maruti Suzuki VitaraPR handout

Indian automobile industry is gearing up for an array of new car launches catering to different segments ahead of the festive season. Auto makers have planned many new launches as well as facelifts for the existing models. Among them, there are some cars coming for its second stint in the country. These cars were ones sold in the country in its previous generations and discontinued for various reasons. Most of these vehicles are coming back as new generation models with many cosmetic as well as powertrain changes. We have compiled a list of cars set to make their re-entry soon.

Hyundai Tucson

Korean car-maker Hyundai had sold the first generation of the Tucson SUV during 2005-2010, but it was discontinued due to poor sales owing to steep pricing. Hyundai India has confirmed the re-launch of the Tucson soon. The new Tucson is in its third generation and comes with the Fluidic 2.0 design philosophy of Hyundai. The front-end is dominated by signature hexagonal front grille in chrome, flanked by LED headlamps. The SUV is built on a new platform and is expected to be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine in 135 bhp and 180bhp state of tunes. Expected price: Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh.

Nissan X-Trail

The first generation X-Trail was the first vehicle offered by Nissan in the country, but was eventually discontinued in 2014 due to poor sales. The Japanese car-maker announced the re-launch of the crossover at the Auto Expo 2016. The new X-Trail, in its third generation, will be offered in petrol and electric hybrid engine setup. The powertrain will be a 2.0-litre MR20 DD petrol engine working in tandem with an electric motor to develop a combined output of 179bhp and will be mated to Xtronic CVT transmission. Expected Price: Rs. 30 lakh to Rs. 40 lakh.

Honda Civic

Although Honda still has not officially announced the re-entry of the Civic in India, the car has spotted at Tapukara plant hinting at possible launch. Honda Civic, which was launched in 2006 in India, was discontinued owing to poor sales in 2012. Expected to be brought to India as a completely knock down (CKD) unit, the Civic will take on the likes of Chevrolet Cruze, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta in India. Expected Price: Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh.

Honda Accord

Another Honda car model in the pipeline is the Accord. The Accord was part of the Indian roads for almost 5 years since its entry into the market in 2008. It was later forced to retire from the sub-continent market. The new Accord is expected to be offered with 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine in India with 6-speed manual gearbox and a CVT. Reports also says Honda may consider launching the Accord Hybrid in India to rival Toyota Camry Hybrid. Expected Price: Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki Vitara

In its first outing with the Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki failed to make an impact in the segment. The sales of the SUV were much lower as compared to the other popular models of the company. Maruti Suzuki calculates the industry is now more matured, with growing demand for premium SUVs. Launch of the new Vitara is expected after festive season of the year. The new Vitara will be powered by a 1.6-litre DDiS diesel engine that develops 118bhp and 320Nm of torque mated to six-speed manual transmission. Suzuki's AllGrip AWD system will be on offer. Expected Price: Rs. 16 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh.