Crossovers to be launched in India in 2017
Automobile manufacturers are readying a host of crossovers for their Indian debut. One of the most anticipated crossovers is the Maruti Suzuki Ignis which will initiate a new category for the company. The other important launch is Tata Nexon as it is seen as the next big thing from the Indian automobile manufacturer. The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross and the Ford EcoSport will go through a cosmetic makeover to be more appealing.
2017 Ford EcoSportEstimated price: Rs 7-10 lakh
Ford showcased the facelifted version of the EcoSport SUV at the recently held Los Angeles Motor Show. The list of changes to the exterior includes a new single-piece hexagonal grille with twin slats and a big blue oval logo at the centre. The bumper is revised to accommodate the new fog lamps, which are pretty large compared to the round units on the current EcoSport. Notice the faux skid plate underneath. The new headlamps feature projector units as well as DRLs. The feature list in the new Ford EcoSport has been updated too with a new 8-inch SYNC3 infotainment system which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. It also has in-built satellite navigation.
Ford EcoSport facelift details
Ford EcoSport facelift image gallery
Estimated price: Rs 5-7 lakh
The Datsun Go-Cross concept was showcased at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. It is expected to be launched in production guise in sometime next year. While the details on technical specifications and dimensions haven't been revealed as yet, but according to Datsun design head, Koji Nagano, the upcoming crossover can be modified to cater to various market requirements. The Go-Cross might also be offered with a new-generation petrol engine.
Tata Nexon
Estimated price: Rs 6-9 lakh
Tata Motors brought in the Nexon concept at the 2016 Auto Expo in India. The concept showcased at the expo was almost production-ready. The Nexon will run a new set of 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines which will be part of a new family that Tata is yet to name. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol motor will most likely be the more powerful variant. The 1.5-litre turbo-diesel, which was showcased at the expo, produces 110PS and 260Nm. These engines will be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, while an automatic gearbox could be an option too.
Estimated price: Rs 25-32 lakh
The Audi Q2 is based on the new MQB platform which also underpins the new-gen Skoda Superb, Audi A3 as well as the upcoming Volkswagen Passat. The Q2 will be positioned below the Q3, attracting first-time buyers. The Q2 will be manufactured on the same line as the A3. The engine options in the Audi Q2 include three TFSI and three TDI engines putting out power in the range of 116PS to 190PS. Audi will offer the S-tronic 7-speed transmission as standard across the range but will chuck the quattro for lower variants.
India-bound Audi Q2 first drive review
Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift
Estimated price: Rs 32-37 lakh
The Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift gets a minor design revision over the existing model. The changes include a tweaked design of the headlights and bumpers. Most importantly, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA gets 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The same was introduced in the GLA Activity Edition launched this year. Powering the Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift is a 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine wherein the power and torque output has increased by 34PS and 50Nm, making a total to 170PS/350Nm. Mercedes will also bump up the feature list in the GLA facelift.
Maruti Suzuki S-Cross facelift
Estimated price: Rs 8-12.5 lakh
The major update the facelift gets is upright front-end styling with slightly higher ground clearance at 180mm versus 165mm on the existing model. It also gets new headlamps with a sharper look. In addition, the facelift comes with newly designed LED rear combination lamps. In India, the S-Cross facelift is expected to continue with the same set of engines â€" 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre diesel motors. Maruti Suzuki is also said to be working on a new petrol engine. It could most likely be the Boosterjet engine from the upcoming Baleno RS.
Maruti Suzuki S-Cross facelift details
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Estimated price: Rs 7-12 lakh
The new-generation Ignis was first showcased at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show in 2015 followed by its Indian debut at the 2016 Auto Expo. The Ignis will be positioned below the Vitara Brezza in the brand's crossover line-up. It will arrive in the Indian showrooms by early next year and is expected to be priced between Rs 4-6 lakh in India. The engine options in the India-bound Suzuki Ignis include the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel motors that are also seen in the Maruti Suzuki Swift. The other motor that is expected to launch with the Ignis is a 1.0-litre Boosterjet that makes 110PS at 5,500rpm and 170Nm of torque between 2,000-3,500rpm.
 Maruti Suzuki Ignis preview
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza petrol
Estimated price: Rs 8-10 lakh
The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, which happens to be one of the highest-selling offerings for the brand, will get a new petrol motor as 2017 model year update. There are no specific details on the choice of petrol engines that will be available in the Vitara Brezza. We believe it is the 1.6-litre petrol motor sold in the international-spec models that will make its way to India.
Estimated price: Rs 60-65 lakh
The Volvo S90 Cross Country will be the third car based on the company's new Scalable Product Plan (SPA) platform. Powering the Volvo V90 Cross Country will be the 254PS T5 and 320PS T6 petrol as well as the 190PS and 235PS D4 and D5 diesel engines. All these engines will be mated to 8-speed auto transmissions with different driving modes. In addition, the Volvo V90 Cross Country will come standard with all-wheel drive. Volvo will start manufacturing the crossover at its Sweden plant from December. We expect the Volvo V90 Cross Country to arrive in India later next year.
Volvo V90 Cross Country details