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Ford Figo
Ford India has big plans for the Indian market. The auto giant will launch its premium hatchback Ford Figo by early 2010. The small car will be available in both petrol and diesel models. From its modern headlamps, grille shapes and sculpted bonnet of its distinctive face to the subtle integrated spoiler and chamfered window shape at the rear, Ford Figo is filled with kinetic design touches. The name Figo was inspired from its Italian design. In Italian ‘Figo’ colloquially means ‘cool’.
Nissan’s Micra
Nissan India, which is setting up a Rs 4,500 crore car manufacturing facility with Renault in Chennai, will launch its first car before summer 2010. The Nissan Micra is a premium hatchback and will be available in both petrol and diesel versions. Nearly two-third of its production is likely to be exported. Nissan also plans to launch a sedan version of the Micra hatchback in 2011.
Chevrolet Beat
General Motors India is expected to launch its small car ‘Beat’ at the Auto Show in January. The hatchback will compete with Maruti’s Swift and Hyundai’s i10. The diesel version is expected to hit the road by 2010 year-end. For now, buyers have to be satisfied with the petrol version. Industry experts say that the Chevy’s small car would be priced around Rs 3-5 lakh and will be powered with 1.2L, 1199cc petrol engine.
Volkswagen Polo
European auto manufacturer Volkswagen plans to launch its most popular hatchback model Polo in the Indian market by Jan 2010. Volkswagen Polo is set to compete with the other hatchback cars in its segment like Maruti Swift, Maruti Ritz, Fiat Punto, Hyundai i10, Hyundai i20. Consumers can expect both the petrol and diesel engine options. The fifth generation Polo will be officially launched in India at the 2010 Auto Expo in New Delhi.
Hyundai i30
After the huge success of the i10 and i20, Hyundai mulls to launch its premium hatchback i30 in 2010. i30, designed by Hyundai’s German team will add to the C segment lineup. Hyundai India said that the car will be available in both diesel and petrol versions. The new Hyundai i30 has promised some unique safety features and is expected to be more spacious in its segement.
Maruti Kizashi
Maruti Suzuki India is all geared to launch its first car in the luxury segment. Christened Maruti Kizashi, it has a sporty look and will hit the showrooms in the first half of 2010 at around Rs 10 lakh. Maruti Kizashi will be powered by the 2.4L petrol engine. The diesel version will follow shortly.
Toyota Prius
Japanese auto major Toyota plans to launch its first hybrid car, Toyota Prius in the Indian market by Jan 2010.Toyota Prius is a C-segment hybrid sedan model which can run on petrol and an electric engine. Prius is the world’s first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid passenger car. The car is likely to be imported as completely built units from Japan.
2010 is going to be an interesting time for the auto industry. With Bajaj having stopped production of their iconic scooter. I have many memories of singing the song ‘Hamara Bajaj’ every time the jingle came on tv. And I have more intensely fond memories of riding pillion with my Dad when he used to drop me at Kindergarten. It was that very same scooter on which my dad used to take me out for my two wheeler driving lessons. How I wish those times were back.
Well Bajaj’s take is that they solely want to concentrate on making mo’bikes. They have the target to become the world’s largest bike manufacturer company. Now that is like a moral boost injection right into the soul of every patriotic Indian. Hell I feel good, that a homegrown company is making the mark on the world map. Have they defeated or have they defeated Hero Honda at home ground.
Within the last decade Bajaj have reinvented themselves. Bajaj’s products are reputed highly in auto markets as the most economical, the most fuel efficient, and the most pocket friendly. This Bajaj has managed to back up well with a very efficient service network. What Maruti is in 4 wheelers, Bajaj is to the two wheeler market. The company riding an all time high on Pulsar’s success. They will be venturing into the 4 wheeler market as well. So watch out all you Maruti’s, Hyundai’s and Nano’s out there.
The newly showcased concept bikes from KTM stable are Stunt 125 and Race 125 which have been built exhaustively in India by Bajaj. The styling though is very much European. They will be introduced in the Indian market somewhere late 2010. The pricing should be around 70 to 80k.
And here is what Bajaj started this all with, the good ol’ Chetak
These are the present offers from different manufacturers in Bangalore as of now:
Discount on Maruti vehicles (@ Pratham Motors):
M800 (petrol and duo) : 10k
Omni : 10k
Alto: 17k
WagonR (petrol and duo) : 27k
Ritz (petrol and diesel) : 25k
SX4 : 25k
AStar : 15k
Discounts on Hyundai vehicles (@ Advaith Motors) :
1. Santro GL @ 2.99 lacs (including exchange)
2. First year insurance free (15k) + Music system (5k). So e.g. i10 Magna 1.2 which otherwise costs 4.68 lacs on road in b’ore will now cost around 4.5 lacs.
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