subject: Some Eagerly Awaited Sedan Launches [print this page] The Indian auto segment is fast becoming a hatchback dominated one as almost every carmaker, big and small, is going for a piece of it. But the Indian economy is back on its feet and with enough disposable income Indian buyers want luxury. So, the significant other sedan segment, for the upwardly mobile Indian middle and upper-middle class, is going to see a number of new launches, some this year and some in the next two three years. Lets take a look of whats coming our way.
Toyota Etios First we would see Etios as a hatchback especially designed for India by Toyota. But later Toyota would be manufacturing Etios in both hatchback and sedan variants. The Toyota Etios sedan was at display at some of the events organised by the Toyota group recently and they evoked curiosity among onlookers. The notchback variant of Etios has a sharp and big smiling grille that has been high-mounted especially for India and give the car a very tough look. The launch date is not yet confirmed but as per the speculations in the market Etios is expected to hit the roads by 2010 end.
Volkswagen Vento Sometime back a disguised Volkswagen Polo sedan was spotted being tested near Volkswagens plant and speculations have been on ever since. The Volkswagen groups hatchback Polo is creating waves in the Indian car market and the company is all set to offer the Volkswagen Vento sedan version of the hatchback Volkswagen Polo by this July. The Vento or the saloon version of Volkswagen Polo is expected to share its platform with the hatchback. The headlamps and grille would be different but till the B-pillar the car is very much like the hatchback Polo. Both the petrol and diesel engine versions are being expected and a price tag of around Rs7 9 lakh.
Maruti Kizashi Maruti is always expected to come up with something pathbreaking and affordable. Maruti Kizashi is Maruti Suzuki's first product in the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment and falls in the D segment. The car is expected to cost around Rs 12 lakh. The car reached North American showrooms in December last year and so far about 300-400 units have been sold. It is expected to come with a 2.4 AWD engine sporting 18 inch alloy wheels and a 425 Rockford fosgate audio system with iPod and bluetooth connectivity.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X The racing car from the movie Fast and the Furious is popularly called Evo X. The car's engine would have turbocharged MIVEC technology that controls valve timing electronically. The top speed of the Indian EVO X will be 250 kmph. Evo X would be available in 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed twin clutch transmission. The price tag is expected to be around Rs 30 lakh and this launch is a part of the revamped strategies by Mitsubishi Motor.
