‘What’s when?’ is the most common question asked us at Autocar India. We get a huge number of mails everyday from readers wanting to know what’s coming in the near and not-too-distant future, and that’s understandable. In our ever-changing market, you really need to be on top of model upgrades and new car launches, especially if you are about to sign a considerable amount of your savings on an all-new car.
The last thing you want is to see a new and superior model out on the roads, soon after you’ve spent your hard-earned money on a car that could be quickly outdated. So, to keep you in the know, straight from our confidential files, an almost complete list of new cars manufacturers are planning to put on sale in India this year.
Audi Q3
It may look like a shrunken Q5, but Audi’s latest mini-SUV has a distinct personality of its own. When launched in May 2012, the Q3 will be the most affordable Audi SUV in India. However, there is nothing cheap about the Q3’s quality which is comparable to Audi’s line-up of saloons and larger SUVs. There is fair space for four adults inside while Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system should also ensure you can get a bit adventurous on weekend excursions. The Q3 will be launched with a 176bhp, 2-litre turbo diesel while a 211bhp 2-litre TFSI turbo-petrol engine will also be a part of the model mix. Prices are likely to start at Rs 27 lakh. This could be the game changer for Audi.
Factfile:
Engines: 2-litre turbo-petrol, 2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 211bhp/30kgm,176bhp 38.7kgm
Kerb weight: 1565-1585kg
L/W/H: 4385/1831/1590mm
Expected: Mid-2012
Price: Rs 25-35 lakh
Audi S6/S7/S8 
Think of Audi’s ‘S’ cars as the sportier cousins of the normal line-up with the S variant’s more powerful engines and slightly extroverted design details being the key differentiators here. India will get the entire S range that includes the S4, S5, S6, S7 and S8 in 2012. The new S6 that was launched at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show comes with a 414bhp, 4-litre twin-turbo V8. Performance will be entertaining, to say the least. Another new addition to the S line is the S8. Marrying sports car performance to limo-like luxury, the S8 shares its engine with the S6, but power is an even higher 513bhp. Pricing is yet not known, but expect these S cars to cost considerably more than the current range-topping variants for each model. However, the S5 will be a cheaper option to the more powerful RS5. S6 will spearhead Audi’s S line’s entry into India. S8 is sports car and limo rolled into one. . Sportier petrol S7 will join diesel A7 sibling.
Factfile:
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8.
Power/Torque: 414bhp/ 56.13kgm
Kerb weight: 1895kg
L/W/H: 4931/1874/NA mm
Expected: Mid 2012
Price: Rs 85 lakh
New BMW 3-series
BMW’s big launch for 2012 will be the new 3-series. Codenamed the F30, the new 3-series is scheduled to go on sale in India towards the middle of 2012. The new 3-series is longer and wider than the car it replaces and now bears a strong resemblance to the 5-series. The larger dimensions have resulted in a roomier cabin, which addresses a major shortcoming on the current car. Engines are likely to be carried forward from the current model, albeit with improved efficiency and more power. We have driven the 3-series at its international launch in Spain and came back impressed with its near-perfect blend of performance, driving dynamics and ride comfort. BMW’s plans to set up an engine plant in India also point to a lower price tag for the Three in the future. The BMW 3-series then sounds a whole lot more interesting than ever before.
Factfile:
Engines: 2-litre petrol, 3-litre petrol,2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: NA
Kerb weight: NA L/W/H: NA
Expected: End-2012 Price: Rs 22-35 lakh
Ashok Leyland Stile 
Where the Nissan Evalia will target at private car buyers, the Stile from partner Ashok Leyland will be positioned as a commercial people mover. It will get a far more basic interior and will also do without many features like ABS and airbags. The Stile and Evalia will also come with different powertrains and engine’s in different states of tune. However, a cargo version is a possibility and there could be a seven seat CNG version too. But don’t expect to see the Stile on roads any time soon. It will be launched six months after the Evalia that arrives in late 2012.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 105bhp/24.4kgm
Kerb weight: 1269kg
L/W/H: 4400/1695/1860mm
Expected: Early 2013
Price: Rs 7.5-9.5 lakh
Chevrolet CaptivaWhere the Nissan Evalia will target at private car buyers, the Stile from partner Ashok Leyland will be positioned as a commercial people mover. It will get a far more basic interior and will also do without many features like ABS and airbags. The Stile and Evalia will also come with different powertrains and engine’s in different states of tune. However, a cargo version is a possibility and there could be a seven seat CNG version too. But don’t expect to see the Stile on roads any time soon. It will be launched six months after the Evalia that arrives in late 2012.
Factfile:
Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 105bhp/24.4kgm
Kerb weight: 1269kg
L/W/H: 4400/1695/1860mm
Expected: Early 2013
Price: Rs 7.5-9.5 lakh
Chevrolet’s versatile SUV has just been given a face-lift and looks all the better for it. An imposing split grille in line with Chevrolet’s new family look and double-barrel headlamps are the most prominent changes to the Captiva’s styling while clear lens tail-lamps complete the makeover.
The seven-seater will also benefit from revised interiors. On the engine front, the 2-litre motor will be replaced by a new 2.2-litre diesel unit. Peak power will see a spike from 148bhp at present to 184bhp on the new engine. Prices are likely to increase by around Rs 1 lakh when the new model is launched in the middle of 2012.
Factfile:
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Power/Torque: 184bhp/40.78kgm
Kerb weight: 1878kg
L/W/H: 4673/1879/1727mm
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 22-24 lakh
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