IAB Picks - 6 Indian car and bike launches in August 2014
The festive season is fast approaching and some automakers, like they always have, will set off an avalanche of introductions in the month of August. Here is a list of cars and bikes that are waiting to be launched this month.
1. Audi A3
The Audi A3 is an important volume spinner for the luxury brand which is aiming to retain its leadership position in India. Touted to become the most affordable four-ringer in the country, the MQB platform based entry level luxury sedan will be launched here on August 7 and dealers have already started bookings. A 1.8-litre TFSI petrol with a 7-speed DSG and a 2.0-litre TDI diesel with a 6-speed DSG constitute the powertrain lineup.
2. Fiat Punto Evo
The Fiat Punto Evo receives a major facelift in a bid to start afresh. The premium hatchback retains its undercarriage and powertrain options. A 1.2-litre petrol, a 1.4-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre diesel engine, all mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, would continue to be available. The Punto Evo is scheduled to go on sale in the first week of August through Fiat's chain of exclusive dealers.
3. Tata Zest
The Tata Zest will also launch in early August and production of the sub-4 metre sedan commenced last month at the Fiat-Tata JV plant in Ranjangaon. The feature-rich Zest will be available with a 1.2-litre Revotron turbo petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and the well-known 1.3-litre Quadrajet (Fiat MultiJet) diesel engine coupled either to an AMT or a 5-speed manual gearbox.
4. Hyundai Elite i20
The all-new Hyundai Elite i20 (2015 Hyundai i20) makes its global premiere in India on August 11. Hyundai started bookings for the premium hatchback last week. The new i20 gets a brand new design and has a more upmarket interior. The current car's powertrain lineup is mostly likely to be retained.
5. Bajaj Discover 150 F and 150 S
The new Bajaj Discover 150 F (faired) and 150 S commuter motorcycles launch on August 11. The duo is powered by a new 4-valve 150 cc DTS-i air-cooled engine paired to a 5-speed transmission. The motorcycles will be aiming to target customers looking to upgrade from a smaller commuter.
6. Maruti Ciaz pre-launch bookings
While the Maruti Ciaz is expected to launch in September, Maruti will commence pre-launch bookings for the Honda City rivaling sedan later this month, according to media reports. The Ciaz, as a bigger and more equipped vehicle, replaces the SX4 and will be available with petrol and diesel engine options, the former also with an optional CVT.
