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Part-3 - Small Cars to be launched in 2012

This is the last and third part of the “small cars to be launched in 2012” in India article.

MINI Cooper (New)

Launched way back in 1963, the Mini Cooper made a name for itself winning the Monte Carlo rally three times apart from winning in numerous races and rallies across the world. Mini Mania is now all set to launch the diesel version of the car. The New Cooper is expected to debut in Geneva in March 2012 and to make it to the showrooms by June 2012. The MINI brand has been launched in India during Auto Expo 12.

The diesel version of the furious petrol fired Mini Cooper is equipped with a 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel engine, giving out 143 bhp at 4,000 rpm, producing a top speed of 215 kmph. Maximum torque of 305 Nm is produced at 1,750 to 2,700 rpm. The car has a fuel efficiency of 65.7 mpg and emits 114 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The most powerful diesel car has been kept lightweight to improve fuel efficiency. Other fuel-saving features of the car include Brake Energy Regeneration, auto start/stop functions, shift point display, electric power steering and the need-based operation of ancillary components.

Renault Pulse (New)

Renault India has unveiled its premium compact hatchback, The Pulse, in India, in a grand event at Formula 1 racing in Noida. The car is the third amongst the five vehicles planned for introduction in India during the year. Renault has chalked out an aggressive strategy to grow in India and plans to launch a range of vehicles on a completely new platform in the A segment. The Pulse will be built at the assembly plant of the company in Chennai, on the same V-platform as the Nissan Micra. The designing will be handled at the design centre of the company in Mumbai. The new Pulse is expected to feature the same interiors as in the Micra. The centre of attraction is the beautiful boot with a remote opener. The car will feature power steering, power window, remote central locking, air conditioner, rear defogger, rear washer/wiper, leather seats, tinted glass, steering mounted controls, electrically adjustable ORVMs, dash integrated music system and rear parcel tray.

The Renault Pulse will feature a 1.2 litre three cylinder petrol engine with about 75 bhp and a 1.5 litre diesel engine which delivers an impressive mileage of 23 kmpl and 64 bhp. The small hatchback is expected to be available in 7 shades and six variants. The car is the first small car to get a 5-star EuroNCAP rating indicating high safety. The Pulse has safety features including an ABS, EBD, 2 airbags, fog lamps, rear seat belts, front and rear side impact bars and ISOFIX child seat fixing points. The Renault Pulse was launched in India during the Auto Expo 2012.

Tata Nano (Face Lift)

Tata Motors Ltd plans to launch a revamped version of the cheapest car in the world, the Nano. The small car is all set to get a new look with modified outside rear view mirror. The new design will allow the introduction of electric adjustment if required. The rev limit of the new car will be scaled up from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm, which will improve the pull of the engine though the top speed will continue to remain the same at 105 kmph. Other changes will include check straps which will help in limiting the door opening and a tailgate which can be opened, improving its utility.

The new and improved Nano, as certified by the Automotive Research Association of India, will give a mileage of 25.4 km per liter (23.6 km earlier). The CO2 emission has also got reduced from 101 gram for each kilometer to 92.7 km per litre. The 624 cc engine of the car has been made more powerful, giving out an impressive 38 PS of power (35 PS earlier) and 51 Nm of torque (49 Nm earlier). The star attraction of the improved Nano for the masses will however be the price which will continue to remain the same at Rs1.40 lakhs to Rs1.96 lakhs. The 2012 Version of the Tata Nano has already hit the dealerships and showrooms as of Nov 2011.

Volkswagen Beetle (Next Gen)

The all new Volkswagen Beetle 2012 was unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Expo. The company expects to launch its two variants, Beetle R and Drop-Top Beetle in the US and other markets subsequently. The next gen VW Beetle features a flatter roof and a more upright back. The car is 3.3 inches wider and 6 inches longer than its predecessor. The new front wheel drive Beetle R is powered by the Golf R 2.0 litre engine which can deliver a peak power of 270 hp and a peak torque of 258 lb/ft. The car will have other finer changes to the chassis and engine too. The other variant, the Drop Top Beetle, expected to have the same chassis as the Beetle R, is likely to be launched about the fall of the year 2012.

Engine options for the Next Gen Beetle will be a 2.0 litre RFSI engine and a 2.0 litre TDI engine in both the European and North American variants. The North American Beetle will have a 2.5 litre option too with 170 bhp and 240 Nm of torque. The New Beetle was unveiled here in India for the first time at the 11th Auto Expo held at New Delhi.

Volkswagen Up! (New)

The brilliantly conceived and lowest priced Volkswagen was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011. The new hatch is expected to be launched in India at the upcoming 2012 Indian Auto Expo in Delhi. The car to be introduced in India is likely to be a five-door version, which will be positioned below the Polo.

The Volkswagen Up will be powered by a one litre petrol engine. One engine variant will deliver 59 bhp of power while the other will belt out 74 bhp of maximum power. Volkswagen plans to launch its diesel variant in 2013, which will be powered by the same 1.2 litre 3-pot TDi engine as in the Polo, which will produce 75 HP of power and maximum torque of 180 NM. The company is also working on an electric version of the Up.

Volkawagen plans to position the Up against the popular Maruti cars in India. With an affordable price of about Rs 3.5 lakhs and features including blue motion technology and others. We would have to wait and watch if the strategy works as competition heats up in the hatchback segment.