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AUTO X-TRA
Waiting In The Wings
A slew of new models could be rolling off assembly lines in India
next year. What will these cars be, who'll be launching them, and just
what will be new about them? BT-Autocar India does some crystal-gazing.
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Isuzu Panther
Expected to hit the Indian roads next year, the sleek gm
multi-purpose vehicle will be powered by a 2.5-lt direct injection
turbo-diesel engine. It will also be more comfortable and upmarket
than the Toyota Qualis. |
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Skoda
Octavia
The Czech's as good as money in the bank. While the Skoda used to
be the butt of jokes a few years ago, its new owner, Volkswagen,
has dramatically turned around its quality and image. Expect the
world of this car. It will deliver. |
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Corsa
Wagon
The recent spurt in Corsa
sales and the search for niches to fill mean that General Motors
in India may well exercise its Corsa wagon option. However, much
will depend on how the recently introduced station wagons (the
Altura and the Siena Weekend) fare. |
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Fiat
Palio
This is a big one from
the Italian car maker, Fiat, and it's likely to consume a chunk of
the Indian hatchback segment. The handiwork of famed Italian
designer, Giorgio Giugiaro, the Palio will deliver mid-size level
performance and comfort. |
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Hyundai
Sonata
The generous dimensions
and big six-cylinder engine under the hood have made this Hyundai
rack up more than a few sales in even well-established markets
such as the US. It delivers more car for the money than its
competitors. |
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Honda
Accord
Honda's established
worldwide success and once the largest-selling car in the US, the
Accord needs no introduction to Indian customers. The Accord will
set the benchmark for levels of drivetrain refinement and will
deliver silky-smooth performance. |
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TVR
Tuscan R
Its 4.2lt, 450 bhp
engine can do a mad 200 mph |
Z9
Ragtop
Its I-drive system controls all key functions using a joystick |
Jensen S-V8
The long bonnet
packs a mean 325bhp, Ford V8 engine |
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