Mercedes C Class diesel, VW Jetta facelift, Tata Ace Zip, Hyundai Eon, Hyundai MPV, Kia Optima - IAB Retrospect

This is the part II of IAB Retrospect this week. Part I can be found here.

1. Mercedes C Class diesel

Mercedes Benz India has launched the Mercedes C Class's diesel version in India. Priced at INR 39.9 lakhs onward, the C220 CDI is powered by a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that makes 167.6 hp and 400 Nm of torque.

Launched last year, the new C Class was earlier available only in its petrol guise. The car maker also announced the start of local assembly of the said petrol variant, while the diesel version will be brought into the country via the CBU route.

2. VW Jetta facelift

Volkswagen will launch the Jetta facelift on February 17. The vehicle has received a few cosmetic updates, while it remains mechanically unchanged. It will be offered with a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine or a 2-litre TDI diesel. Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual as standard, while the diesel engine can be specced with a 6-speed DSG automatic, like before. The brochure pictures and the vehicle's image gallery can be found below the article.

3. Tata Ace Zip

Tata Motors has confirmed that it is planning to introduce an electric version of the Tata Ace Zip pick-up truck. The statement came along with 100,000 units sales announcement of the vehicle.

It remains to be seen when Tata Motors launches the said product. As for the current conventionally-powered Ace Zip, the company manufactures 2,500 units of this, the second best selling Ace variant, at its Dharwad-based plant.

4. Hyundai Eon and MPV

Sources tells IAB that the Korean car maker is unlikely to launch an MPV in the Indian market next year, although the project is going on. It will rival the Honda Mobilio and the Maruti Ertiga, when it goes on sale, and is expected to be influenced from the Hexa Space concept shown at the 2012 Auto Expo.

Another expected launch, of the Hyundai Eon facelift, is unlikely to happen this year, too. While the competition has lept forward with new variants and increased features like the AMT gearbox, Hyundai is yet to make a move.

5. Kia Optima previewed

Kia will showcase a D-segment concept at the Geneva Motor Show next month, a teaser of which has been officially released. The concept will be a precursor to the 2016 Kia Optima sedan. Apart from the design, which is sleeker and features a lowered stance, the next generation Optima is likely to be offered with a 7-speed DCT too.