December usually remains average for the Indian car market as the carmakers do not launch new products. Despite the fact that it being the last month of the year, we did witness some new car launches along with some limited editions. Audi introduced new Audi Q7 while Tata launched powerful variants of Safari Storme badged as VARICOR 400. In terms of car sales, Maruti Baleno outshines Elite i20 consecutive for the second month in a row whereas Kwid enters the top list with approx 6900 units.
Tata Safari Storme VARICOR 400: 1st December 2015- Rs. 9.99-14.60 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)
When launched, Tata Safari was the best selling SUV in India till Scorpio dethroned it from the pole position. In 2012, Tata re-launched it with new nomenclature and new Aria based X2 platform but unfortunately it too made an average impact on the sales of Safari. After years of vigorous R&D and testing Tata again launched a refresh version in mid 2015 followed by powerhouse version called VARICOR 400 in December 2015. The new variant is powered by the same 2.2l VARICOR diesel engine but it develops 155bhp max power and massive 400Nm of torque. The engine helped it make 0-100 dash in just 12.8 seconds which even faster than Toyota Fortuner and Mahindra XUV500. Aesthetically, not has changed much over the standard Storme variants except for the VARICOR 400 badging at rear.
Mercedes-Benz A class facelift: 7 December 2015, Price- Rs. 24.95-25.95 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)
Mercedes-Benz has had another blistering year in the Indian car market with record sales of over 13,000 units in a single calendar year. The German Giant launched 15 new models in the year under ’15 in 15’ strategy which includes the sexy AMG GT S, B class facelift, CLA sedan, E400 Cabriolet, Maybach S600, S63 AMG and many more. The Carmaker ended the year with A class facelift which was first launched in the year 2013. Merc’s most affordable model in the lineup now features bi-xenon headlamps with LED DRLs, reworked conventional diamond grille, new alloy wheels to name a few. Premium story continues inside as well with features like new 8 inch infotainment system with mirror link and Apple car play, new seats with ARTICO leather upholstery etc. It is powered by the 2.1 litre diesel and a four cylinder petrol engines.
New Audi Q7: 10 December 2015, Price- Rs. 72.5-77.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)
Audi’s most successful model Q7 has finally gets an upgrade in 2015, the new model sheds away muscular profile and now wears more leaner look. The New Q7 is 325 kg lighter and 26 percent more fuel efficient than the current model. The front fascia now gets sleeker matrix headlights with T shaped LED DRLs while the side profile seeks the attention with raked roofline, new alloy wheels and chrome surrounded window frames. Rear too gets some tweaking which include new tail pipes exhaust, flatter boot lid and reworked tail lamps which go well with the sleek look. Step inside and get mesmerized by the premium feel of the SUV which is well complimented by a large 8.3 inch infotainment system with touchpad, android auto and apple car play. It is also bestowed with Bang and Olufsen surround sound system, android tablets for the rear passenger, Audi drive select, panoramic sunroof etc. Power creation is handled by the same 3.0 litre TDI diesel engine that bumps out 245bhp power and 600Nm of torque and matched to an 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission and Quattro’s all wheel drive system.
New Volkswagen Beetle: 19 December 2015, Price: Rs. 28.73 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)
Volkswagen Beetle, popularly known as ‘People’s car’ needs no introduction, after 78 years of existence and more than 21.5 million units’ sales globally, the iconic car is making its comeback into the Indian car market. The premium hatchback segment in India is predominantly ruled by Mini Cooper. At a first glance, new beetle looks much more eye catchy despite of carrying the same bug shape profile. The new model has grown in size too and is 152 longer and 84mm wider than the previous GEN model. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by the plush interiors and features such as panoramic sunroof, dual zone climate control, infotainment system, three pod instrument cluster etc. The new Beetle is available in a single variant and one engine option; it is powered by 1.4l TSI Petrol engine that churns out 148bhp and 250Nm which is comparatively less than its competitors in the market.
In addition to these new models, there were few limited editions launched to boost the sales. Maruti Suzuki introduced Premia edition of its premium Crossover S-Cross, Skoda launched Style variant while first made in India supercar DC Avanti also received a limited variant christened as DC Avanti 310.
