If you could not make up your mind on which car to buy next, chances are you may get further confused in 2016. Between January and April this year, the Indian car makers are expected to unleash over half-a-dozen new cars in the already vibrant car market. These include two widely anticipated cars from the stable of Tata Motors - Tata Zica and Tata Nexon. Datsun is also expected to launch Redi-Go, its small car to take on Renault's Kwid and the likes. Mahindra is looking to further spoil its fans with the expected launch of Mahindra KUV100, a compact vehicle option in the small to mid-car segment.
But the automotive enthusiasts are keenly waiting for the launch of Zica, Tata's much awaited replacement for Indica, which was launched over decade-and-half ago. Tata Zica is expected to offer more choices to consumers who are looking at a Maruti Suzuki Celerio or a Hyundai Grand i10 and the likes as either their first or the second car. Tata has already shared their plans of launching two new products every year till 2020 and Tata Nexon fits into their scheme of things. Nexon will be a lucrative option for car enthusiasts who have taken fancy to the successful Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Hyundai Creta or Maruti's S-Cross.
What we can share with confidence is the launch date of Mahindra KUV100 - January 15, 2016. The company has already been able to build a buzz around this mini SUV both online and offline. Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan is its brand ambassador and television ads are already attracting 'views' and 'likes' on YouTube. Mahindra KUV100 is also reportedly being delivered to select dealership in line with the planned launch date. Last month Mahindra KUV100 was unveiled and back then the carmaker had said it has already manufactured 1000 units of the car. When launched, the Mahindra KUV100 will go up against the likes of Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno.
Apart from the new launches, Skoda is expected to launch an improved variant of Superb while Toyota is also looking to bring an improved version of its successful Innova by next month. Toyota Innova has been the Japanese automaker's most successful product to date beating even the Qualis. It was launched in the Indonesia market towards the end of November last year with the starting price Rs 13.64 lakh (converted to INR). It is expected to debut at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo which starts on 5th February 2016.
General Motors is expected to bring in an all-new Cruze that should level the playing field currently occupied by the Toyota Corolla, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Jetta, experts have said. The 2016 Auto Expo is expected to be dominated by SUVs and crossovers. BMW is expected to showcase the X1 while Fiat Chrysler will show off the Jeep range again. Nissan is expected to put on display the all-new X-Trail.
Tata is also expected to display Tata Hexa, a six seat MPV.
BW Reporters
Ashish Sinha is an experienced business journalist who has covered FMCG, auto, infrastructure, tourism, telecom among several other beats. Ashish has keen interest in the regulatory scenario impacting different sectors. He writes on aviation, railways, post and telegraph, infrastructure, defence, media & entertainment, among a wide variety of other subjects.
