5 car launches expected between June-July 2015 - IAB Picks

15/06/2015 - 11:51 | ,  ,  ,  ,  ,   | Aravind Jayachandran

As we enter the second half of the year, car manufacturers are gearing up for launching their respective big ticket products in anticipation of the festive season from September to November. Here are five products from various car manufacturers that are expected to register high demand when launched.

2015 Audi Q3 (Facelift)

2015 Audi Q3 Facelift front quarters at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show

Audi India has confirmed that the facelifted Audi Q3 will be launched on June 18 in the country. The facelift brings an improved front-end characterized by the revised 6-point grille, Matrix LED headlamps, and redesigned bumpers. The interior largely remains identical to the outgoing model, save for minor cosmetic changes. The Q3 will continue to source power from a 2.0 TDI engine developing 177 bhp and 380 Nm of torque.

Audi could also launch the entry-level Q3 S, which loses the Xenon headlamps, large alloy rims and the Quattro AWD system.

2015 VW Vento (facelift)

2015 VW Vento facelift front fascia brochure

Although it may be regarded as a cosmetic and equipment upgrade, it was a needed one for the family sedan, given that its rivals are constantly improving with respect to design, equipment, and engines. The Vento was last updated 9 months ago, where they had revised the engine lineup and few design elements. The latest model keeps the design largely similar to the outgoing model, but features certain revisions that collectively improves the classic design.

Inside, it gets new interior color combinations, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, a dead pedal, external boot release and auto-folding mirrors. It retains the same engine lineup from the MY2014 Vento, although reports claim that they have been revised for lower fuel consumption. Volkswagen will launch the facelifted Vento on June 23.

2015 Honda Jazz

2015 Honda Jazz Diesel VX MT tracking shot Review

Honda's most hotly anticipated product is confirmed for launch on July 8. Unlike the previous Jazz, Honda has significantly increased localization and part sharing of the new Jazz, which would help in pricing it very competitively. Featuring a dynamic exterior design that follows Honda's latest design philosophy, an interior that is loaded with technology, and the inclusion of a 1.5-liter i-DTEC diesel engine (first time in an Honda hatchback), the new Honda Jazz is expected turn the tables in the highly competitive hatchback segment for the company.

2015 Hyundai Creta

Hyundai Creta exterior official sketch

Hyundai will, reportedly, launch its first ever highly localized compact SUV on July 21 in the Indian market, which aims to rival the sales of hot sellers like the Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport. Basically an international version of the China-exclusive Hyundai ix25, the Creta's exterior design is influenced by Hyundai Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. Top-spec variants will feature LED DRLs in the swept-back projector headlamps, hexagonal grille, sporty lower fascia design, large horizontal wraparound taillamps and a roof spoiler.

The interior of the Hyundai Creta follows a dual cockpit design, and it is expected to be packed with equipment. Under the hood, it will reportedly offer the 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines borrowed from the Hyundai Verna. An entry level 1.4-liter diesel engine is also on the cards. Transmission options include a manual and automatic units.

Maruti S-Cross

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross front three quarter at Auto Shanghai 2015
Pictured here is Chinese-spec Suzuki S-Cross.

Maruti will introduce its first ever pseudo crossover in the market, dubbed simply as the S-Cross. It sports a familiar design, but features exclusive elements such as a dual-slat chrome grille, 16-inch alloy wheels, black plastic body cladding, faux skid plates at the front and rear bumpers, raised ground clearance, and large projector headlamps with daytime running lights.

Inside, the design will be identical to the Euro-spec Suzuki SX4 S-Cross, which comes with an all-black scheme with contrasting silver accents, and is equipped with automatic climate control, rear HVAC vents, a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel and a Maruti SmartPlay touch-screen infotainment system from the Ciaz Z+. Power is reportedly sourced from a Fiat 1.6-litre diesel engine with 118 bhp, sending torque through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross dashboard at the 2014 Paris Motor Show

The Maruti S-Cross is expected to launch towards the end of July. It will be sold alongside the Ciaz at Maruti's new premium car dealerships when launched.

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