Skoda Yeti
The Yeti, which is Skoda's first soft-roader is a clever mix of 4x4 capabilities, compact dimensions and hatchback practicality. The car, which is based on the VW Golf platform, shares a lot of its mechanicals with Skoda's own Laura and will be here in early 2010. The high-set seats and high roof means that the Yeti offers remarkable comfort as well. The cabin offers terrific quality, which we've come to expect from Skoda now and there are plenty of parts shared with the Laura.
Indian buyers will in all probability get the 1.2 TSi engine, which develops 103bhp along with a 2-litre TDi developing 140bhp. The diesel will get the 4x4 option. The impressive ‘off-road' electronic pack includes a very capable hill descent control set-up, which controls the braking on each wheel automatically when you go down a hill.
Tata Indicruz
The world will finally get to see Tata Motors' much-awaited and slightly delayed MPV, the Indicruz. Based on the Safari platform, the MPV will share plenty with the SUV, which ensures that pricing will be competitive.
We expect the Indicruz to offer class-leading levels of interior space and comfort. Power comes from the Safari's 2.2-litre Dicor engine, though the Indicruz will be tuned more for efficiency than outright performance. In terms of styling, the front is dominated by the large headlamps, which are peeled back, and the big grille with the corporate logo in the centre. Prices are expected to start around the Rs.11 lakh mark.
Toyota Etios
Toyota Etios hatchback made its debut at the 2010 India auto show. The carmaker has taken its own time to enter the small car segment, but its new compact car seems to have been worth the wait. The car promises to come with class-leading levels of space inside the cabin with special emphasis on rear seat comfort and ride quality.
It will be launched in two body styles — a saloon and a hatchback. The saloon will be launched in December 2010 or January 2011 and will be followed by the hatchback four months later.
Nissan Micra
The all-new Micra isn't just a new Nissan for our market but a new Nissan for the world, that the company will produce exclusively in India. If the sketches of the next-generation Micra are anything to go by, then this hatchback has all the makings of a winner with its cutting-edge styling. The interiors are expected to extremely contemporary with high equipment levels. A choice of two engines are expected; an-all new 1.2 litre petrol, three-cylinder motor and a 1.5 litre diesel, similar to the one that powers the Logan albeit with a bit more power. Nissan is keen to price its new hatchback competitively to gain market share. A saloon version of the Micra is also expected in the future.
Ford Figo
Ford hopes to redefine the concept of value for money with its Figo hatchback, when it goes on sale in March 2010. The1.2 petrol engine will be priced at Rs 3.6 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) while the 1.4 diesel is expected to retail at around Rs 4.6 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The 1.2 petrol motor is all new and is essentially a scaled down version of the the 1.4/1.6 Sigma petrol engines that power the Fiesta saloon. The Figo's diesel engine is one that we are familiar with – the same 1.4 Duratorq 68bhp motor that has served the Fiesta and Ikon well. The interiors are expected to combine aesthetics and functionality. Though the Figo is essentially a re-skinned version of the outgoing Fiesta in Europe, the new styling which carry Ford's ‘Kinetic' design elements gives this hatchback a contemporary look.
Chevy Beat
Based on GM's all new M300 platform the Beat launched this week (04-01-10) is sharp on styling inside and out.
There is good room for both front and rear passengers and the tall stance means that getting in and out of the car is easy. Petrol and diesel engines will power the car. Initially buyers will get a 1.2-petrol with 80bhp while a 1-litre diesel with 57bhp of power will be added to the range sometime in 2010. Prices for the Beat start at Rs 3.5 lakh.
Volkswagen Polo
One of the most-awaited small car at the moment, it will initially come with a petrol engine. A diesel-powered car will also be launched soon. The base petrol model is competitively priced at Rs.4.6 lakh and will be available by March 2010.
