16 major car and bike launches in May 2015 - IAB Picks [Updated]

22/05/2015 - 17:39 | ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,   | Anjan Ravi

May of 2015 sees a host of new car and bike introductions in India, and across the world. In this story, we list out the major Indian launches, and a few international ones which are important for the Indian market.

1. 2015 Toyota Camry (facelift):

2015 Toyota Camry front three quarter official image

The month began with the launch of the facelifted Camry and Camry Hybrid. Toyota's international best-seller gets a host of cosmetic changes, though the engines are untouched on the Indian model.

2. Yamaha Fascino:

Yamaha Fascino Rouge Red

The Japanese two-wheeler maker launched yet another rival to the Honda Activa in the 113 cc Fascino. Available in an array of five colors, the Fascino is the lightest scooter made by Indian Yamaha Motor.

3. Maruti Celerio ZXi AMT:

Maruti Celerio ZXi AMT features

The Celerio ZXi AMT has appeared on the carmaker's website, but its pricing is yet to be announced. The ZXi AMT variant offers the convenience of the AMT system with additional features like a driver airbag, 2-DIN music system, electrically-adjustable wing mirrors and so on.

4 & 5. Indian Dark Chief Horse and Indian Roadmaster:

2016 Indian Dark Chief Horse side - press image

The Polaris-owned brand launched the new Dark Horse and Roadmaster while simultaneously inaugurating its second dealership in India, located in Bangalore.

6 & 7. 2015 Hero Passion Pro (facelift) and 2015 Hero HF-Deluxe:

2015 Hero Passion Pro facelift

India's largest two-wheeler maker rolled out a facelift for the Passion Pro, while the HF-Deluxe and Deluxe Eco got a minor update for their engine.

8. 2015 BMW 3 Series (facelift):

2015 BMW 3 Series front quarters facelift leaked

BMW took the wraps of the facelifted 3 Series last week in Germany, but BMW India's President, Mr. Philipp von Sahr has confirmed to Indian Autos Blog that the updated sedan will launch in India by the end of this year.

9. 2015 Audi RS7 (facelift):

Audi RS7 front three quarter at Auto Shanghai 2015

The facelifted RS7 launches in India today, and it will be equipped with Audi's Matrix LED headlights, the Singleframe grille, LED taillight units and redesigned bumpers. The engine, a 4.0-liter V8 TFSI, will continue unchanged.

10. 2015 Volvo XC90:

Volvo XC90 Excellence front at Auto Shanghai 2015

Volvo Auto India will debut the new generation XC90 SUV on May 12, 2015. Based on the SPA platform, the new XC90 would launch in India initially in two variants, and a diesel engine.

11. Tata GenX Nano AMT:

2015 Tata Nano GenX AMT front three quarters

The GenX Tata Nano will go on sale in the country on May 19. Notably, it will be the first Nano to come with a functional bootlid and an automated manual transmission.

12. Renault XBA (Renault Kayou):

Renault XBA Renault Kayou front quarter Chennai spied

Perhaps the most important launch here, Renault's entry-level small car will world premiere in Chennai on May 20. The company has confirmed a sub-4 lakhs pricetag for the car.

13. Mercedes-Benz S Guard:

2015 Mercedes S600 Guard front

Mercedes-Benz India will introduce the armored S Class, the S Guard, on May 21. The luxury fortress on wheels gets VR9 level of ballistics protection.

14. Fiat Aegea (Fiat Linea successor):

Fiat compact sedan rear teaser

Fiat will unveil its all-new compact sedan, what is reported to replace the Linea, at the Istanbul Auto Show on May 21. Fiat India is yet to confirm if the forthcoming sedan will replace the Linea, or if it has another model planned specifically for the Indian market.

Update: The Fiat Aegea world premiered yesterday at the Istanbul show.

15. 2016 Toyota Hilux:

2016 Toyota Hilux Revo teased thumbnail

The next generation Toyota Hilux will be unveiled in Thailand on May 21. The technologies, platform and engines of the new Hilux are expected to be carried onto the next generation Toyota Fortuner, which is anticipated in India next year.

16. Ducati Scrambler: 

Ducati Scrambler yellow side at the 2014 Thailand International Motor Expo

Dealers of Ducati India have started accepting bookings for the Scrambler, and a launch is expected to take place later this month or early next month.

17. 2015 Mahindra XUV500 (facelift):

2015 Mahindra XUV500 front three quarter (New Age XUV500) spyshot

Mahindra have confirmed the launch of the XUV500 facelift for May 25.

18. 2015 VW Vento (facelift):

2015 Volkswagen Vento front three quarter indian spec facelift revealed
Image - AutocarIndia

VW India have revealed the Vento facelift prior to its launch expected to take place next month. The sedan gets plenty of feature and cosmetic revisions.

19. 2015 BMW 6 Series (facelift):

2016 BMW 6 Series Facelift at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show

BMW India have confirmed the launch of the 6 Series facelift for May 29.

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