43.Tata Safari
The biggest name in the SUV segment until some time ago, the Safari has most definitely been the second car to redefine Tata Motors’ success in the Indian market, the first one being the Indica. The company might come up with new products like the Manza and the Aria to meet the demand of the consumers, but they haven’t forgotten the basics. Based on the Aria’s platform, the new Safari is expected to come loaded with numerous features such as airbags, ABS, climate control, better interior and driveability. Promised to be better on fuel economy figures and armoured with better safety features, the new Safari will reportedly have Tata’s new 2.2VTT DiCOR engine.
44.Tata Nano Europa
Showcased at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Nano Europa is the new avatar of the very popular ‘people’s car’ with a longer wheelbase, thus more cabin space, a tinge of facelift, better quality interior and, most importantly, a three-cylinder, MPFI engine with a five-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the car will sport safety features like ABS, ESP and airbags. The USP of this micro car, however, remains the same: its compact size. Just that from being a daily bread-butter car, the company plans to make it a better styled, more efficient car to match the current trends in cabin features.
45.Toyota Etios Diesel
Toyota’s latest launch, the Etios, has been well placed in the segment and targeted at those looking for a reliable badge and an affordable price tag. Though the Etios’ interior does not warm the cockles of one’s heart, the petrol engine under the hood manages to grab one’s attention. In addition to the current petrol mill, the company plans to introduce a 1.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine very soon. The reason for this, they say, is the positive response received at the Auto Expo 2010 for the diesel variant.
46.Toyota Liva
Showcased at the 2010 Auto Expo in New Delhi, the Etios Liva will be the company’s first launch in the hatchback segment in India. Speculated to come with a 1.2-litre petrol engine first (with power output about 72 PS), the Liva is expected to be the most generous in terms of cabin space in its segment. As rumours go, the company might also come up with a 1.5-litre petrol (from the Etios sedan) and a 1.4-litre diesel variants too.
47.VW UP
The concept VW UP was appreciated by all and now, three years later, the car is finally set for a production run. The production version of this tiny car is due for a 2011 unveiling and, just like the Polo, the UP will be a global car. The design of the production UP is similar to the concept with only a few changes. Initially, it will come with a one-litre, three cylinder petrol and a 1.2-litre diesel motor. UP will come to India by the end of 2011 at a price lower than that of the Polo hatch.
48.VW Jetta
Still based on VW Golf’s platform, the new Jetta will come with a longer wheelbase. It will come geared to give a tough fight to competitors Skoda Laura and Chevy Cruze. Very similar to the Polo and Vento in styling now, the new Jetta will be launched in 1.4 TSI and 1.6 TDI engine options.
49.VW Passat
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2010, the new Passat looks nothing less than baby Phaeton. A much more refined two-litre TDI engine and improvements in both looks and the interior make the new Passat an interesting launch. Along with quality and class, the new Passat will come with some unique safety features too.
