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Increasing competition in the entry-level segment means automakers have to update their cars regularly or launch new products to stay relevant in the segment.
While premium SUVs, sedans, and even MPVs continue to gain popularity in the marketplace, ignoring the most crucial space in India – namely entry-level space – is impossible for any automaker. Therefore, the country will receive a range of new or updated small cars in the coming months. Here is a list of five cars to be launched on the Indian market for next year, and they are expected to be priced below Rs 5 lakh –
1. Datsun Redi-GO face lift
Redi-GO is Datsun’s entry-level offering in the Indian market, and has not yet been updated to meet stringent BS6 emission standards. However, the carmaker confirmed the news of a launch soon, with a teaser image of the Redi-GO that also confirmed that the car will also receive a facelift.
Outside, the Redi-GO facelift will sport new headlights with elongated L-shaped DRLs on each end of the new front bumper. It also has a larger grille and LED elements in the taillights, along with dual-tone wheel covers on the top edge. Inside the cabin, the car will have a completely overhauled central design with a new touchscreen infotainment system.
The Datsun Redi-GO 2020 will be powered by BS6-compliant versions of the same 0.8 and 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engines. The 0.8-liter BS4 unit had 54 PS of power and 72 Nm of torque, while the 1.0-liter engine had a power of 68 PS / 91 Nm. Transmission tasks will continue to be handled by a 5-speed manual gearbox, along with an optional AMT. Datsun is expected to release the updated car later this month.
2. New generation Maruti Suzuki Celerio
The first generation Maruti Suzuki Celerio has never received a generation update since its launch about 6 years ago, but things will change. The Japanese automaker plans to launch a new-generation model for the Celerio, and the new model could be launched in the country as soon as this festive season.
The new Celerio has received the internal name of YNC, and the car is expected to get a completely revised exterior design, as well as a renovated cabin with new features such as LED DRL, alloy wheels, an infotainment system with a touch screen, etc. The car is likely to be offered with BS6-compliant 1.0-liter CNG gasoline engines, which will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox along with an optional AMT transmission.
3. Hyundai AX micro-SUV
With the growing trend for affordable SUVs, it has been speculated that Hyundai is also reportedly working on a micro-SUV internally called “AX” for the Indian market. The car is expected to be based on the same K1 platform as the Santro and, in typical Hyundai fashion, will set new benchmarks in its segment.
Given that the AX will be offered as a budget car, it likely has the same 1.1-liter engine as the Santro, which is currently Hyundai’s smallest-capacity engine produced in India. Said powertrain produces 69 HP of maximum power and 99 Nm of maximum torque.
4. Hyundai Santro Facelift
The Santro is currently the most affordable Hyundai you can buy in the country, and it’s a fairly popular car. However, the current generation Santro is nowhere near the previous generation Santro sold domestically, and its sales are largely overshadowed by its rival, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R.
Therefore, the Korean automaker is expected to unveil a half-life update of the car soon, which could bring you some new components like a redesigned bumper, LED DRL, and even alloy wheels. Under the hood will be the same 1.1-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine offered with the current Santro. The 5-speed MT and 5-speed AMT gearboxes will also be retained.
5. Tata HBX
Tata Motors unveiled a micro SUV concept called “HBX” at this year’s Auto Expo, and Tata will launch its production-ready version in the country later this year. Upon launch, the HBX will rival the Mahindra KUV100, as well as the Maruti Suzuki Ignis.
The HBX will be based on Tata’s Imapct 2.0 design language, and will be offered with features like a semi-digital instrument cluster, a premium Harman sound system, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display with connectivity for smartphone etc. It will be the same 1.2-liter (86 PS / 113 Nm) three-cylinder Revotron gasoline engine as the Tiago, Tigor and Altroz, and the engine will come mated to a 5-speed MT and an optional automatic gearbox.
