Much Anticipated Car Launches of 2018

Mahindra U321

Expected Date: March 2018

Expected Price: Rs 9 to 15 lakh

The country's leading utility vehicle manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra will soon be rolling out an all-new MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) in the Indian market. The new model is aimed to compete with Toyota Crysta and Tata Hexa. Codenamed as U321, the all new Mahindra MPV will be replacing the Xylo in the Indian market. The new MPV is likely to debut with an all-new 1.6L four-cylinder, mFalcon diesel engine, to which company has developed along with its Korean subsidiary SsangYong.

Maruti Suzuki Swift 2018

Expected Date: February 2018

Expected Price: Rs 4.5 to 7.5 lakh

The all-new Maruti Suzuki Swift 2018 is slated to be launched in the Indian market in the upcoming Auto Expo 2018, which will be held from February 9 to 14. Based on a completely new HEARTECH platform, the next generation Swift is a major departure from its existing model.This is the same platform on which the new generation Swift Dzire is based. Being around 10-15% lighter from its predecessor, the new HEARTECH platform is likely to deliver a combination of greater power and better fuel economy. The chassis of the car is around 10 percent stiffer as compared to the previous generation model, which blesses the new model with a lower center of gravity, offering a more fun ride. On the styling front, the new Swift is equipped with a range of new features including a bold single-frame grille, bug-like headlamps, LED DRLs and projector lens (in top end variant), LED taillights, new center console, twin-pod instrument cluster, SmartPlay Infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Toyota Vios

Expected Date: July 2018

Expected Price: Rs 7 to 11 lakh

Despite having its presence in a number of entry-level car segments in India, Japanese automaker Toyota is yet to enter the C+ segment of cars. It is expected that the year 2018 will witness the entry of the car maker in this segment with Toyota Vios, which is currently sold in foreign markets like Malaysia. Being in the headlines for achieving a five-star rating in the ASEAN NCAP crash test, the model is much anticipated among the auto enthusiasts. The car is expected to be rolled-out with a 1.5-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engine version in the Indian market. It will be competing with the likes of Honda City and Hyundai Verna.

Datsun Go-Cross

Expected Date: Dec. 2018

Expected Price: Rs 4.5 to 7.5 lakh

Datsun, which is a budget car brand of Japanese automaker Nissan, is expected to roll-out its much talked about compact crossover – Go Cross – in the Indian market next year. The Datsun Go Cross, which is currently in the concept stage, will soon be launched in Indonesia, followed by its India launch later this year. Speculations are rife that the vehicle will be showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. To keep the manufacturing costs low, the company is expected to use a high level of localized content in the model. It is likely that the Datsun Go Cross will be sharing its engine with the existing Go+ which is powered by a 1.2L petrol engine.

Honda Civic 2018

Expected Date: Mid 2018

Expected Price: Rs 15 to 20 lakh

Japanese automaker Honda is expected to showcase an all-new version of its premium sedan Civic at the upcoming Auto Expo 2018. Blessed with bold and aggressive designing cues, the next-gen Civic will be offered in both petrol and diesel versions. The petrol version will be available in two options of turbocharged engines – 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC. On the other hand, the diesel version will be offered with a 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine.

Volkswagen Vento Facelift 2018

Expected Date: Dec 2018

Expected Price: Rs 8 to 12 lakh

Marked its debut in the Indian market in the year 2010, the Volkswagen Vento sedan has performed considerably well in the country's auto market. The car has been updated 4 times in its 7 years on the Indian roads. The fifth upgrade in the car is expected to be made in the second half of the year 2018. Most of the changes expected to be made in the Vento Facelift are cosmetic, which are targeted to make the car more upmarket. The possible additions in the feature list of the model are LED daytime running lamps, projector headlamps, automatic climate control, touch-screen infotainment and rear AC vents.

Next Gen Maruti Ertiga 2018

Expected Date: Aug 2018

Expected Price: Rs 7 to 12 lakh

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which has been a constant performer for the company since its launch, is expected to be launched in the next-generation version soon. The upcoming Ertiga is expected to be a bit wider and longer in comparison to the existing model. At the front end, a high stance is excepted with the changes like a high-set front bumper and nose. Under the hood, the MPV is expected to be carrying a similar set of petrol and diesel engines which power its existing model.

Maruti Ciaz Facelift 2018

Expected Date: February 2018

Expected Price: Rs 6.5 to 10 lakh

The C-segment sedan Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, which is currently the leader of its segment, will soon be rolled-out in a face-lifted version. It is expected that this will be yet another Maruti model that will be showcased at the upcoming Auto Expo 2018. With the highly competitive models like Hyundai Verna and Honda City present in the segment, the competition at all time high for Ciaz. Taking this into consideration, the company is likely to make the model more appealing with a series of cosmetic changes such as stronger double slat front grille, redesigned bumpers, sleeker styling cues etc. It is also speculated that the new Ciaz will be hosting a panoramic sunroof in the higher end variants. However, under the hood, the car is expected to come with a same set of power-trains.

Ford Aspire Facelift 2018

Expected Date: Late 2018

Expected Price: Rs 5.5 to 8.5 lakh

The Ford Aspire Facelift, which is likely to be launched in the country by the end of next year, would be carrying a new 1.2-litre Dragon petrol engine. Moreover, there will be a range of cosmetic upgrades on both exterior and interior front including the likes of revised headlamps, new alloys, redesigned bumpers, revised upholstery, a redesigned dashboard and a new touchscreen infotainment system.