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Part-1 - Sedans to be launched in 2012

Though car makers have been putting in efforts to leverage on the growing opportunities in the hatchback and small cars space, the charm of the sedans don’t fail to impress. The demand for the entry level to high end and upmarket sedans are growing by the day, spurred by increasing income levels and interest amongst the Indians. Car makers are cleverly designing their cars to make the best use of the low excise duty levied on the cars measuring less than four meters. The capacity of the petrol engines are kept below 1.2 litres while the diesel engines are designed with a capacity of less than 1.5 litres. The controls help in keeping the prices under check, with an excise duty of 10% as compared to longer cars which are burdened with an excise duty of a whooping 22%. 2012 is witnessing the emergence of a new class of CS or compact sedans and SUVs. Let’s take a look at some of the likely trailblazers for the year.

bullet Audi A4 (Facelift)

Audi plans to launch a revamped version of its popular car, the Audi A4. The A4 has enjoyed better popularity and acceptance when compared to the BMW 3 series and the Mercedes C Class. The new A4 will feature the trademark front grille, LED light strips and rear lights apart from wearing new hood and rear bumpers, new steering wheel, a revised ignition key. The car has added slight tweaks to its shock absorbers and a new electromechanical power steering system apart from more comfortable interiors.

The new A4 will offer engine variants of a 1.8 TFSI petrol engine with an output of 120 hp and a 2.0 TFSI offering 210 hp. The diesel 2.0 TDI engine will have an output of 134 hp while the more powerful 3.0 TDI engine will have an output of 201 hp. The diesel 3.0 litre engine will be offered in the high end variant of the A4.

bullet Audi S6 (New)

Audi infused a new engine and a few changes to the A6, adding an optional S-line package to create the new S6. The new car features more sporty seats and a subtle lip spoiler in the rear which improves the road handling at high velocities. The car is built with light components, comprising mainly aluminium, enhancing its power and efficiency.

The Audi S6 is fired by a turbocharged 4.0 litre V 8 engine which produces an output of 450 hp. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Audi plans to launch an S6 Avant Station wagon for the European markets, with a power of more than 600 hp.

bullet BMW 3-Series (Next Generation)

BMW plans to launch a revamped version of its highly popular 3-series luxury sedan, which will be the sixth generation series since its inception in 1975. The company has unveiled an online configurator which allows prospective buyers to experiment with the exterior colour and wheel options. The configurator also allows one to appreciate the differences between the three grades on offer apart from the M-Sport Package.

The new BMW 3-series model is expected to be powered with new aluminum four-cylinder gasoline engines with the power ranging between 135 and 220 horsepower. The engines will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a six or seven speed automatic option. One would really need to wait and watch as to what changes the company will induce in the car which already drives with high precision, emerging as a benchmark in its segment. The suspension is expected to be a Mc Pherson double-joint spring strut in the front and a multi link setup in the rear.

bullet Chevrolet Sail Sedan (New)

After a year of being dormant, General Motors (GM) has lined up four new and upgraded models including the Chevrolet Sail sedan for the Indian car market. The Chevrolet Sail sedan is expected to be launched in mid 2012 to replace the ageing Aveo sedan, which has been facing dwindling sales. The new sedan is expected to be pitted against the Tata Indica Vista, Tata Indigo Manza, new Maruti Swift DZire, Renault Logan and the Volkswagen Polo. Sail will be the first car of GM which will be designed and developed completely in China.

The new Sail, likely to be priced at about Rs6-7.5 lakhs, will be powered by a 1.2 litre or 1.4 litre petrol engine or a 1.3 litre SmartTech diesel engine. The multijet engine will be developed by Fiat.

bullet Chevrolet Cruze (Upgraded)

The lucky star of General Motors (GM), Chevrolet Cruze managed to outshine in every market it entered with jaw dropping sales exceeding one million units in the worldwide markets. The superlative performance was timed perfectly, bailing out GM from a phase of financial troubles. GM currently plans to upgrade the car with a cosmetic makeover, adding a new multi-slab grill in place of the current beehive design. GM has altered the design of the air dam, changing it from a quadrilateral to a hexagon and by changing the design of the fog light houses, giving it the shape of a right angled triangle.

The all new Cruze, to be priced in the range of Rs 12 to 14.5 lakhs, is likely to be fired by an updated 2.2 liter VCDI engine, lifted from the fuel efficient Captiva which also offers great driving comforts. GM is working on a range of contemporary EcoTec petrol engines and is considering the launch of electric vehicles and also a Volt-based variant.

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