9 Most Exciting Upcoming Cars in India this Year

With March end round the corner, several car-makers are hoping to continue their momentum into the new fiscal year.

The current fiscal saw a slew of extraordinary launches, and the Make In India campaign means hopes are high for foreign capital to come into the Indian auto sector. To fuel the fire Suzuki launched its made-in-India Baleno in Japan. It’s a first for any Japanese manufacturer to sell India-made cars in its home turf.

As more auto manufacturers focus on localization, this means more jobs for young Indians and a boost to the shipping industry. Some believe this will see India emerging into a leading manufacturing and export hub.

Here's a list of the most exciting upcoming cars in India this year:

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord was once of India's favorite entry-level luxury sedan. However, with stiff competition from the likes of Toyota Camry and Skoda Superb, Honda discontinued the model back in 2013. Now, the Accord is back.

The new Accord comes fitted with a 2.0-litre Petrol engine that comes mated with a lithium-ion battery pack powered electric unit. The total output is a solid 196 BHP with a peak torque of 306Nm. A 2.4-litre petrol model might also make its way to India.

Expected Launch: Mid-2016
Expected Price: Rs. 28-32 lakhs

Tata Nexon
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Tata’s Nexon looks quite unlike any compact SUV we’ve ever seen at this price point.

This bad boy is rearing to take on the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV300 and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.

The car is rumored to be fitted with a 1.5-litre diesel unit that produces a good108 BHP of power and 260Nm of torque. A 1.2-litre Revotron petrol option will also be available.

Expected Launch: October, 2016
Expected Price: Rs. 7-10 lakhs

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee from Jeep is a perfect fit for the Indian market.

The beast boasts of a 3.0-litre V6 diesel that generates 237 BHP of power and 549Nm of torque. The other option is a 470 BHP, 6.4-litre petrol V8. The suspension is set on the softer side, perfect for Indian roads.

This one will give the Land Rovers a tough competition.

Expected Launch: July, 2016
Expected Price: Rs. 35 - 50 lakhs

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet

The Cabriolet is an S-Class, and the flagship drop-top offered by Mercedes globally. It was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo held in Greater Noida.

Under the hood, you have the 4.7-litre twin-turbocharged Petrol V8 engine. This one produces 449 BHP of power and 700Nm of torque.

The S-Cabriolet competes with the likes of the Bentley GTC and the Ferrari California in terms of the expected price tag.

Expected Launch: October, 2016
Expected Price: Rs. 2.20 - 2.30 Crores

Jaguar F-Pace

The Jaguar F-Pace will be offered with two petrol and two diesel options along with the legendary 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine.

The engines include a 2.0-litre unit that produces 237 BHP and a 3.0-litre V6 unit that produces 377 BHP of power.

The diesel range includes a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that produces 177 BHP and a 3.0-litre V6 mill that produces 337 BHP. All models are available with AWD except for the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol.

Expected Launch: October, 2016
Expected Price: Rs. 1.50 - 2.50 Crores

Jaguar New XF

The next gen Jaguar XF combines a sleek, coupe-like exterior and a luxurious interior.

Globally the new XF range consists of XF Prestige, XF R-Sport, XF Portfolio and XF S models.

Jaguar is expected to launch the new model with the new 2-litre diesel engine, besides the existing Ford-derived 2-litre petrol engine. There will be a V6 option, too.

Expected Launch: April, 2016
Expected Price: Rs. 48-75 lakhs

Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is all set to make a comeback to India this year after its initial debut in 2005.

It is expected to get the 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 128 BHP, and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It may also get the 2.2-litre diesel option.

There can also be chances of the Tucson getting the new 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engine available globally instead of the 2.2-litre one.

Expected Launch: September, 2016
Expected Price: Rs. 18 - 24 lakhs

Ford Mustang

One of the most iconic American sports cars will launch in India. It’s the Ford Mustang.

As a part of the car-maker’s ‘One Ford’ programme, this legend will actually be manufactured with the steering on the right side.

The India-spec Mustang will be offered with the iconic 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 400 BHP and 542Nm of torque. The second option could be the 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that produces 310 BHP and 320Nm of torque.

Expected Launch: April, 2016
Expected Price: Rs. 75 - 80 lakhs

Audi New A4

The 2016 Audi A4 will soon be available in India.

The petrol variants include the 1.8-litre TFSI, and the 3.0-litre TFSI in the S4 while on the diesel front there is the 2.0-litre TDI.

Indian auto enthusiasts have their fingers crossed for the 3.0-litre TDI Quattro A4.

Expected Launch: October, 2016
Expected Price: Rs. 32 - 41 lakhs

Image credit: Indiatimes