Some of the new cars worth waiting for in 2011

Whilst 2011 has already brought in more than its fair share of new cars into the Indian automobile scene, it is more like overflowing. Why, even some of the bigger names in the automobile industry have set foot into India and this is really a sign of good things coming to the Indian shores. However, there are some real hot ones which we Indians have been waiting for and for some, it has been an eternity. We are sure that most of you reading this by now would have understood which car we are talking about here now. Here is a list of the drool worthy cars coming our way for the calendar year 2011.

Hatchbacks:

Amongst the hatchbacks, it would be first and foremost the 2011 Maruti Swift. It definitely would look like the old car and when new owners would buy one, everyone around would be asking you what’s the difference between the new and old car? However, just show them the interiors and they would definitely agree. The new car just improves its wheelbase and also has slight alterations in its head lamp and tail lamp configuration. If going by the pictures and by the test drive we had taken some months back (Maruti Suzuki Swift 2011 test drive), it is very apparent that the interiors carry the major changes here. The rear seat comfort or the lack of it has been majorly addressed in the new one. Build quality is also said to be on the positive side and Maruti has kitted the car with a good equipment list as well. Even though initial skepticism says that the engines would remain the same, recent developments make us think that the engines would have slightly more power and better fuel efficiency in the process. Well, the launch date is a bit of a headache with most even questioning Maruti’s sensibilities. It is said that come July end or August and the new Swift would be launched. We hope that it works this time around for Maruti.

Chevrolet Beat diesel is other car which is being touted as the game changer from GM. GM are keen to launch this car as soon as possible but some red tape is actually making them delay the launch. The Beat diesel would feature an all new 936 cc 3 cylinder motor with class leading fuel efficiency. It would be the smallest diesel power plant in the country and this should give GM the early bird honors. Power of 58 Bhp from this powerplant is also in the decent range and considering GM’s recent pricing strategy, we are pretty much sure that they would price this car very effectively, maybe just Rs 70k more than the price of the petrol version. It is expected to be launched this month.

Honda Brio is of the most awaited small cars from Honda and also its cheapest in India, the Honda Brio is all set to be launched in 1-2 months time. Engine components would be shared with its other not so small car, the Jazz should ensure that Honda prices this car very competitively. As usual, space utilization should be Honda’s USP and also the light and easy controls that the car would come with. It would be the perfect city runabout and the power of 80 Bhp would be at par with the sub 4 meter competition. However, interior quality would take a backseat and so would the features list. Here is a preview of the car which we had done a month back (Honda Brio in India Preview) and this should give you a fair idea of what to expect from this car. Pricing would also hover around the Rs 4.5 lakhs mark.

Entry Level Luxury Saloons :

As of now, the only near one is the 2011 VW Jetta. This one has got a definite date to its launch and that is 17th August 2011. The new family face echoed by its new cars is also worn by the 2011 VW Jetta. Some say that it looks very good post its facelift while others say that the previous gen car had much soul in its looks. For more details, check out the preview of this car (2011 Volkswagen Jetta in India Preview). It gets an extended wheelbase and this only means that the earlier shortcoming of more room in the rear would be sorted out. Like Hyundai, VW is also expected to bring out 4 engine options for this car and those would include a new 1.4 liter TSI motor as also a 2.0 liter diesel engine from the previous Jetta. A manual as also DSG box are in the offing. As always pricing would be more than the current Jetta and just above that of the Laura as well. Expect the starting price from Rs 14 lakhs.

SUVs :

The yet to be named Mahindra’s all new SUV, W201 would carry Mahindra’s first monocoque chassis to make it dynamically more competent. However engine options would be carried forward from the Scorpio and there would be a new 6 speed manual gearbox in the offing. New design to the interiors and better fit and finish would be the order of the day. Moreover, a whole new plethora of features would be included as well. If going by what sources have to say, this new SUV would be launched towards the end of the year. Pricing would definitely be a tad more than that of the Scorpio.

2011 Chevrolet Captiva is the other new entrant in the SUV market. The earlier SUV is quite a looker in its segment and the new one promises to be closer to the American SUVs in its looks. You can also call this as the new look by GM or rather Chevy. The interiors would sport more premium materials and the earlier build quality would be improved upon. The seating capacity would still be for 7 and the Chevy would carry a fairly long equipment list as well. Moreover, the 2.0 liter diesel engine would be retained and power would also be bumped up. Expect a minor Rs 30k increase in its price. It would be also launched at around the same time as the W201.