In the month of May, we witnessed an array of car launches some were new while others were limited editions or facelift. Last month we saw the launch of GenX Nano and new Mahindra XUV500 while Nissan introduced the Groove limited edition of Terrano SUV. Among other launches, Volvo launched XC90 a seven seater SUV at Rs. 64.90 lakh and Mercedes-Benz has launched its most expensive car ‘S600 guard’ the armored vehicle in India at Rs. 8.9 crore.
Besides car launches, Honda has released the first teaser of Honda Jazz and has announced that the new Jazz would be launching on 8th July 2015. Ford has started the promotional campaign for its compact sedan Figo Aspire with Farhan Akhtar while the much awaited Fiat 595 Competizione has been listed on Fiat’s website and will make its way to Indian shores this month.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio ZXI AMT (8th May 2015)-
The Largest car manufacture in India celebrated the first anniversary of Celerio hatchback by launching the ZXI AMT variant at Rs. 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom). ZXI AMT variant gets equipped with all the features and goodies of ZXI variant. In terms of features it loaded with 2DIN audio system with bluetooth, AUX, bluetooth, USB support, dual front airbags, tilt adjustable steering wheel, keyless entry and many more. The ZXI AMT is powered by the same 1.0L Petrol engine that makes 67bhp power and 90Nm of peak torque mated to an AMT. Maruti will launch the diesel engine equipped Celerio on 3rd June 2015 which deliver 27.62 KMPL of mileage.
Audi RS7 facelift (11th May 2015)-
Audi has introduced the facelift version of its Performance saloon RS 7 Sportback at Rs. 1.40 crore which is around 12 lakh more than the phased out model. 2015 RS 7 received various visual changes but the noticeable of all is the Matrix LED headlight that was first seen of Audi R8 and others were revised front bumper, single frame honeycomb grille and some optional packages. While the power comes from same 4.0L TFSI petrol engine which delivers 552bhp power and 700Nm of peak torque and comes paired to an eight speed automatic transmission and Quattro all wheel drive system. Interior section also comes with some modifications such as updated MMI system, new head up display unit etc.
Volvo XC90 (12th May 2015)-
The much awaited second GEN Volvo XC 90 made its Indian debut last month with the price bracket of Rs. 64.9-77.9 lakh. The new XC 90 is available in two variants- Momentum and Inscription, the dealers have started taking the bookings but the deliveries will commence from September 2015. New XC 90 is build on SPA platform which also be the part of upcoming Volvo cars and it features T shaped DRLs in the headlamps which makes the boxy SUV more gorgeous. The new XC 90 is packed with number of features such as sunroof, 12.3 inch touchscreen display, dual tone steering wheel, Nappa leather seats, air suspension, bowers and Wilkins audio system etc.
The second GEN Volvo XC 90 comes equipped with various safety features and it’s taking company’s motto of “No one should be seriously injured or killed in new Volvo by 2020” one step ahead. Volvo XC90 takes on Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GL class and BMW Q5.
Nissan Terrano Groove Edition (14th May 2015)-
In order to keep the memory fresh, Nissan India has rolled out the limited edition of Terrano SUV dubbed as Groove edition at Rs. 11.45 lakh which comes with benefits of Rs. 30,000. According to the company, The Groove edition is targeted at ‘lively, youthful and lifestyle conscious customers. The Groove Edition is limited only to 250 units and comes with various exterior changes such as chrome treatment around the fog lamps, tail lights and tail gate, Matte black finish at roof top, LED scuff plates at door and Rockford Fosgate speakers. Recently, Nissan has exported 5 lakh units from India.
Porsche Boxster and Carrera Black editions (17th May 2015)-
Porsche, the German sports car maker has released the popular black editions of 911 Carrera and Boxster which gets a combo of black interior and black exterior color. Both the editions get black aesthetic package that includes 20” Carrera classic alloy wheels, Bose embody surround system with sound quality package plus, Porsche crest on head restraints, Black edition emblem on door guards, Porsche dynamic light system (PDLS), Driver + passenger heated seats, sporty steering wheel, reversing digital camera, dual zone climate control. The 911 Carrera black edition is priced at Rs. 1.3 crore while Boxster edition comes at Rs. 78.0 lakh.
Tata GenX Nano (19th May 2015)-
Tata motors has launched the most iconic model of Nano series named as GenX Nano that comes number of cosmetic changes and with an AMT gearbox. The GenX Nano is priced between Rs. 1.99-2.89 lakh and it is now India’s most affordable AMT hatchback. The hatchback is powered by the same engine of previous Nano series but gets some subtle cosmetic and cabin changes like smoked headlamps, infinity grille, openable tail gate, new steering wheel, revised front-rear bumpers. In case of you want to customize Nano you will get various options like Sunroof, decals etc. The main question is whether these new introductions are worth it over its previous models?
Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard (21st May 2015)-
Mercedes-Benz India has launched its most expensive offering in the country when they introduced the armored version of its luxury saloon S class as S600 Guard at Rs. 8.9 crore. The armored version looks identical to the standard S class but it gets many safety features and highest level of protection. The doors and windows are several millimeters thick made of polycarbonate coated glass and windows that need a hydraulic lift to open and close and it weighs around 4.6 tones.
The S600 Guard provides occupants with highest ballistics protection class called VR-9 which is one of the highest for the civilians. Mercedes-Benz S600 guard comes with features like 360 degree camera, LED intelligent plus system, executive seat at rear with energizing massage function and leg rest, chauffer package; warmouth comfort package, air filtering, rear suite with a continuous Business console transforms the rear into a mobile office with two individual seats, LED lighting inside the cabin and fire extinguisher system with automatic activation.
Mahindra XUV500 facelift (25th May 2015)-
The leading SUV maker in the country, Mahindra and Mahindra the facelift of XUV500 (M&M call it new age SUV); it comes with plethora of new features. The facelift version comes with 31 new features such as S shaped DRLs on static headlight units, electric sunroof, Logo puddle lamps, 7-inch infotainment system, six way power seats, reverse parking camera, new bonnet, new L shaped fog lamps, six airbags and many more.
Under the hood is a same 2.2L mhawk unit that is rated to deliver 140bhp@3750rpm and 330Nm of peak torque@1600-2800rpm and comes with 6-speed manual transmission and 2WD and 4WD drive options. Mahindra has added a new W10 top variant to its line with both 2WD and AWD option.
BMW 6 series Gran Coupe facelift (29th May 2015)-
With Hallmark campaigns, facelift of BMW 6 series Gran coupe has been launched in a unique launch event at India Bridal fashion week with Sonakshi Sinha as show stopper. The Gran Coupe is available in two variants- 640d eminence model which is priced at Rs. 1.15 crore while the top variant- 640d design pure experience comes at Rs. 1.22 crore. The facelift version gets new signature kidney grille, revised headlights with anti-dazzle high beam assist, new 20 inch multi spoke alloy wheels, dual tone leather upholstery, head up display, rear view camera assistance etc.
The new version is powered by a same 3.0L, six cylinder diesel engine which delivers 313bhp power@4400rpm and 630Nm of peak torque between 1500-2500rpm mated to an 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
