Tracking future cars using the internet and various other means is an obsession for team IAB. During the day we're searching the internet like we've lost a platinum earring in there and at night, we find ourselves in strange locations, studios, highways or test beds seeing cars that we can't recognize. Of course we're talking about our dreams!
We've been glued to models like the 2014 Volkswagen Passat and models preceding it like the Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport in Indian spec for the last few months. The endeavor to bring you the future is constant and in the following months, we'd love to learn about the following vehicles.
1) Next generation Volkswagen Polo/Skoda Fabia
The MQB era has dawned and two hot properties for the Volkswagen Group in compact car markets like India in the next three-four years are the twins that call Chakan their hometown. Development of the new Fabia and Polo have certainly begun in Wolfsburg.
The Polo could come with features seen on bigger Volkswagens. Cylinder management technology is already ready for deployment while the radar-based city safety system that detects obstacles and brakes automatically is available on the Up!. This is expected to feature on the Polo as well. Engine refinement is the only grouse for diesel customers and a four-cylinder engine is the only cure to this problem.
Volkswagen should have done its research and known that rear seat travel is frequent and popular in India. A flatter floor and a longer wheelbase are changes Polo enthusiasts want to see apart from more powerful headlights. Volkswagen needs to introduce a screen in the car that controls audio system, cabin temperature, navigation, and doubles up as a TV screen during the IPL tournament!
2) Honda Brio platform derivatives?
There's no word on the future derivatives of the Brio platform. A sedan bodied on a longer wheelbase maybe the best way to sweep off Dzire or Etios customers. Make it look like a City and the job is half done! Honda is said to be working on a 1.2-liter diesel engine which tuned to produce higher outputs can be easily compatible with the sedan.
Honda's priorities have changed after the twin disaster in 2011. Delivering cars on time and keeping interest alive in its products remains its two highest priorities. A realistic chance is seeing Honda bring replacements to update its current fleet. The CR-V and Civic successors are available and can be launched anytime. Beyond these two models and the Accord replacement, will Honda decide to join the party? Honda fans are waiting patiently!
3) Next generation Ford Figo
Ford's new KA, based on the B-Platform is being developed somewhere in the world. As you read this, Ford engineers are studying mockups or evaluating interiors. In our minds, hot debates on the variants, materials and components are raging between members of different design teams.
An early representation of this model could be the Start Concept showcased a few years ago in China.
Brazilian media reports claim that a sedan using this platform is also in the pipeline to replace the Fiesta Classic. We're hopeful that Ford will use the capacity in the Sanand manufacturing plant to manufacture this small car in 2014 or 2015. The 1-liter EcoBoost engine is a great idea alongside the newly developed 1.5-liter engine from the Fiesta. This could be the closest we'll get to driving the too-expensive-for-India Fiesta hatch.
[Image Credit - Caranddriverbrasil.uol.com.br]
4) Replacement/Facelift for Chevrolet Spark
GM India is coming out with an announcement for the Chevrolet Spark in the second half of 2012. This could be a comprehensive visual overhaul without any important changes under the bonnet. Will this facelift sport the twin port Chevy grille seen on some of the new models or is there more to this story?
A couple of years ago, it was said that General Motors is developing a small car for the A Segment. We've not heard about this project since the time the Nano began its roller coaster sales performance. Can this elusive A-Segment Chevy be back in focus and replace the slow-selling Spark? The Eon and Maruti's new 800cc ambitions have realized the gold buried in this segment. Chevy needs more than just the Spark to unearth it.
5) Next generation Skoda Laura
Codenamed A7, production of the next generation Laura could begin in the Aurangabad CKD plant sometime in the second half of 2013. We're not expecting surprises under the skin, the same 2-liter TDI and 1.8-liter TSI are going to stay on until a new generation of engines are ready. The Laura is more popular than its cousin Jetta and hence it stands a better chance of giving the Corolla a run for its money. Can we see a productionized version of the VisionD or is Skoda having other ideas?
