16.GM Captiva
GM are all set to release a new and facelifted version of their mid-size SUV, the Captiva, in 2011. The most significant among the changes in the new car will be the engine options ranging from a bigger two-litre diesel putting out either 168 or 190 PS to a 2.4-litre dual overhead cam petrol with VVTi, producing about 175 PS. Both petrol and diesel units will be offered in front- or all-wheel drive. The current Indian Captiva, imported from Korea, comes with a two-litre diesel engine. With a host of driver aids like ESC, TCS and BAS standard, as well as front-, side- and curtain airbags, the new Captiva aims to provide a high level of safety to its occupants. There are also substantial visual upgrades, both in the exterior and interior, most noticeably around the front grille and bumpers.
17.GM Aveo
The new year will also witness the introduction of a new Aveo in India, a model which was previewed as the Aveo RS at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show. There will be two powertrain options on offer – a 1.2-lite and a 1.4-litre petrol developing 90 PS and 105 PS respectively and a 1.3-litre diesel whose power output remains undisclosed as of now. We expect this car to reach Indian shores by late 2011.
18.HM Ambassador
Love it or loathe it, very few cars in history have embodied the essence of an entire nation like the ubiquitous Amby. The new car will have a completely revamped retro exterior and will be powered by BS-IV and BS-V compliant engines, both petrol and diesel. HM assure us that while the new model will technically be an evolution of the Ambassador lineage, it will appear to be an absolutely new product to the consumer.
19.Honda Accord diesel
Honda’s superlative Accord will finally be getting a diesel mill, which should only enhance its position as one of the best choices in the executive luxury sedan segment. Th engine in question is a four-cylinder common rail diesel unit, displacing a total of 2,200 cc and producing a maximum power of 138 PS and 347 Nm of torque. Visually, there will be no changes from the existing petrol version, the only difference between the two being the powerplant under the hood and the next full update is tentatively set for mid-2013. Transmission is via a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual with power going to the front wheels. All the standard driver aids, safety features and other paraphernalia traditionally associated with cars of this segment are present here, including the much-loved leather seats.
20.Honda Brio
Previously codenamed the 2V, Honda’s new small car for Asia is finally ready for launch and was unveiled in its production guise at the 2010 Bangkok Motor Show. The car will be priced very competitively, probably under Rs 5 lakh, which should make it Honda’s cheapest Indian offering ever. The Jazz’s 1,198-cc engine, with a maximum power of 90 PS and 110 Nm of torque, will power the Brio too, which should endow the latter, a much smaller car, with brisk performance figures. There is also the possibility of a detuned version of the same engine with a 900 cc capacity being launched here at a substantially cheaper price. The top-of-the-line variant is expected to feature automatic climate control system, power steering, power windows, remote central locking, rear defogger, rear washer, rear wiper, alloy wheels, body coloured door handles, ABS with EBD and dual SRS airbags.
