New year is round the corner and most of domestic car enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming launches in the Indian auto market. The possibilities are immense in many car segments in the country, such as compact hatchbacks, compact Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV), premium SUVs and luxury sedans amongst others. Evidently, compact hatchback segment is the most popular among domestic audience and completely dominates when it comes to number of vehicle launched in a calendar year. The competition is also most intense in this segment, with many top car makers working great lengths to consolidate a higher market share.
One of the most awaited hatchback launches of next year comes from the stables of German auto giant Mercedes Benz, in the form of its A Class small car range. The ultra modish A Class is a premium luxury hatchback and is anticipated to become the cheapest 'Three Pointed Star' available in the country, upon its launch next year. Carrying within its package the relishing Mercedes Benz DNA, the yet-to-be launched hatch is going to be the most feature laden and enticing product in the segment.
The upcoming Mercedes Benz A Class hatch is believed to be introduced in both petrol and diesel powered guises in the Indian luxury car market. The premium hatchback will come trimmed with a 1.6 litre turbo petrol power-mill and a 1.8 litre diesel motor option. The power and performance ratings are expected to be falling in the range between 110 bhp and 130 bhp of output power, whereas torque delivery might be close to 250 Nm. Further, the drivetrains in both petrol and diesel versions of A Class will come fitted with a seven speed dual-clutch transmission systems, which will ensure swift gear shifts and better fuel efficiency. The Mercedes Benz A Class hatch could see Indian daylight somewhere around later half of 2013 and is believed to be launched with a base price tag close to Rs. 18 lakhs.
The Indian arm of Fiat, a globally renowned Italian auto maker, has also revealed intentions to introduce its Punto Evo premium hatch in the country as well. The yet-to-be launched Punto Evo is anticipated to come in three models- one diesel 1.3 litre variant and two petrol 1.2 litre and 1.4 litre versions. The power outputs are expected in the range starting from 70 bhp and going on till 90 bhp, as according to the model. Further, Fiat could launch the Punto Evo in Indian auto market around mid 2013, with an introductory price tag of Rs. 5 to 7 lakhs.
Further, great many hatch facelifts are awaiting their launch on the Indian turf. Top car makers like General Motors India, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), Volkswagen India and Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) are going to introduce both their revamped and new compact cars in 2013. Maruti Suzuki is developing a fresh model of its popular A-Star hatchback, while its stiffest competitor Hyundai Motor India has already begun road testing of its 2013 i10 hatch. General Motors is readying its new Chevrolet Beat and Volkswagen is contemplating possibility of the launch of an automatic variant of its Polo hatch next year. M&M is also working towards making its first electric vehicle, the E2O hatch cost competitive for the cut throat competition in the segment, before its entry next year.
