There are at least six sedans and MPVs destined to reach the Indian market in 2019. Here are details on their launch dates, expected prices, and specs.
Upcoming sedans & MPVs in India
New Hyundai Elantra (facelift)
The mid-cycle action for the current generation Hyundai Elantra made a 'surprise' public debut on 24 August 2018. The update brings in a comprehensively restyled front-end that has a more angular set of headlamps, a sharper version of the signature cascading grille, new fenders and a sportier bumper. The rear-end features L-shaped tail-lights, while the licence plate has been moved from the trunk lid to the bumper.
The highlight of the interior is a revised centre console and many new features. The new model should launch in India in the second half of next year. Prices are likely to see a slight increment.
New Honda Civic
Honda Cars India will launch the recently updated tenth generation Civic early next year. In India, the new model will rival the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla and the Skoda Octavia.
Engine options for our market will include a 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel and 1.8-liter i-VTEC petrol. The oil-burner will produce 120 PS/300 Nm while the petrol mill will offer 141 PS/174 Nm.
While the diesel variant will come with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and an optional ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic transmission, the petrol engine could be available with a CVT only. The new Honda Civic is easily among the most awaited upcoming sedans in India.
2019 VW Vento (facelift)
In an exclusive interaction with IAB, Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen India, said that the India-spec VW Vento would be given another makeover to keep it relevant to the market until the launch of an all-new model, expected in late 2021. The second facelift for the C2-segment model will be evolutionary with changes to the textiles, colours, plastics and the front and rear. The program is expected to leave the vehicle with BS6 compliance. Prices aren't expected to see a significant increment.
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 D
The recently refreshed Maruti Suzuki Ciaz will receive a new diesel engine in 2019. The all-new, in-house oil-burner will be a replacement for the Fiat 1.3-litre DDIS200 motor. The powerplant will displace 1.5-litres and will be BSVI-compliant. It's likely to offer considerably better performance than the current unit.
Unlike the existing mill, which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, the new engine reportedly will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission. This should enhance the fuel efficiency figure or help engineers improve driving performance through new gearing. The SHVS mild-hybrid system will be carried over.
New Toyota Camry
The next generation Toyota Camry looks all set to launch in India by the middle of next year. The model will likely come with only with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. Prices could start around INR 38 lakhs. The car will feature the 16V 2AR-FE 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine with a 118 hp electric motor and an e-CVT.
Renault RBC
The last model is a Kwid-based MPV that will launch next year, as a modern alternative to Maruti's low-end people movers and to the Datsun Go+. Underpinning the new model will be an updated version of the CMF-A platform. The 'CMF-A+' is longer and wider to support the 3.9 m body with three-row seating. This will help the company benefit from the lowest amount of GST. The new platform will receive reinforcements for higher safety.
It's being reported that the low-cost MPV will not be sold with a diesel engine. Instead, it will feature a turbocharged version of the Kwid's 1.0-litre SCe petrol engine to offer the right mix of performance and fuel efficiency. The Renault RBC will have a starting price of INR 5 lakh (ex-showroom).
