1. Chevrolet U-VA update: A Daewoo designed by Giugiaro designs, the car currently on sale looks outdated and outsmarted by the competition. The beige treatment to the interiors havent exactly helped set the sales charts on fire. The new U-VA carries the GM corporate face with the front grille and bumper resembling GM cars. A diesel (to be shared with Chevrolet Beat) meeting the excise regulations is on the cards too. If positioned properly Indian buyers will find a car that is more comfortable than Ritz and straight into the Indica Vista territory with class leading rear seat comfort and ride. The interiors wont see much change but GM can do much better using Chrome lavishly(gearbox, Handbrake, AC vents, dials) and providing with a hi-end multimedia unit sporting bluetooth and USB connectivity. Carrying over the Aveo dashboard will certainly help.
2. Fiat Punto90: Fiat is back riding on the subtle success of Punto and Linea. Since the Fiat has the option of a hotter 90bhp Multi-jet on hand (Linea) the company has decided to plonk the engine in the Punto's bay and give it muscle to compete with I20 CRDI heads on. The inerior plastic quality has gone up by a few notches and the car is now a better package overall for those looking to buy. A sport version was on display at the Auto Expo 2010 but dont expect much bells and whistles over the Emotion PK model currently available. Big brother Linea will be getting a t-jet as rumoured but dont expect it in Punto anytime soon.
3. Mahindra Logan: This one is not really a hatchback as per the news but a smaller version like the Indigo CS. An important platform for Mahindra bought from Renault SA, Mahindra has cut prices and increased features to make it sell and the gamble seems to be paying off but only a bit. Mahindra Engineers have been on the boards day and night to come up with the smaller Logan soon. The proven Diesel and petrol engines will remain unchanged but do expect some upgrades to the drab but comfortable interiors.The cheerful but overdone Logan play and the more contemprary Tourer editions seems to have been discontinued. (image courtest: Bsmotoring)
4. Maruti Swift: Yawnnnn!!!! Maruti has followed a path of refreshing its cars with new names every six months. Bad or good doesnt affect India's largest car maker but with the Zen Upgrade and WagonR upgrade Maruti is now bringing in the newer, bigger and smarter swift to the customers. swooped back headlamps, longer dimensions and a new interior will give this car a new life. A great step by Maruti since the swift has been selling well even though the competition is miles ahead.
5. Mitsubishi Colt: Some cars never leave the drawing boards when it comes to the Indian market. GM Spark, Fiat Punto, Honda Jazz and Skoda fabia are some examples. But the awards for being late to the party goes to Mitsubishi Colt. Parent companies financial problems, Hindustan Motors baburaj operations and performance of Mitsubishi in India has kept this car at bay. Hindustan Motors have previously launched the Carisma or paper and I am sure the same can happen to the Colt which is otherwise an excellent car with the corporate front Mitsubishi grill. If all goes well you should see it by late 2010 or early 2011.
6. Nissan Micra: Cheekier than the Beetle, Nissan's Micra is now Made in India. A 1.2 litre engine, remote keyless entry and push button start are some of the segment firsts. Dont be disappointed to see the lack of diesel in Nissan Showrooms. The 1.5 diesel (Logan) is supposed to be show up within a years time. Very few cars appeal to the ladies and I am sure this will.
7. Toyota Etios: I dont have any firsthand information on Toyota Etios but going by the Fortuner release (hasty but well implemented), the Etios might show up soon. A sedan version might by launched first to bridge the gap between Corolla and the hatch (important for market positioning). No more details available at this point.
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