Top 10 Car Launches Of The Year 2018
Here, we have listed top 10 car launches of 2018.
2018 has been quite an eventful year for the automobile industry. The year kick started with Asia’s biggest automotive event – Delhi Auto Expo, followed by big ticket launches over the year. Here, we have listed top 10 car launches of 2018.
1. New Maruti Suzuki Swift
The new-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift was the very first big launch of the year. Launched at the Auto Expo in February, the new Swift gets diesel automatic combination for the first time along with the petrol powertrain. The diesel models use a 1.3L DDiS unit pushing out 74bhp and 190Nm of torque, while the petrol variants source power from a 82bhp, 1.2L K-Series motor. Unlike the old model, the new one gets lightweight HEARTECT platform making it rigid and safer than before. The hatchback also witnessed comprehensive design and feature upgrades.
2. New Honda Amaze
The Japanese carmaker gave a generation change to its popular compact sedan – Honda Amaze – in May, 2018. Based on Honda’s new advanced platform, the second-generation model made available in four trims – E, S, V and VX – spread across twelve variants. Engine setup of the new Amaze includes an 89bhp, 1.2L petrol and a 99bhp, 1.5L diesel motor paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 7-step CVT automatic unit with paddle shifters (first-in-class). In terms of design, the new Honda Amaze looks completely different from the first generation model. Its interior has also been classed up with several new comfort goodies.
3. New Hyundai Santro
Hyundai India revived its iconic brand – Santro, thus making it one of the biggest car launches of 2018. Design of the new-generation Hyundai Santro is quite contemporary with signature tall-boy stance. Though, it witnessed significant dimensional and styling changes. The hatchback’s new model is larger than predecessor, and offers best-in-class rear leg space. It’s also first car in its league to feature rear AC vents, but lacks climate control. Under the hood, the new Hyundai Santro houses a 1.1L petrol engine making 68hp with 99Nm. Both manual and automatic transmissions are on offer. The hatchback carline is also available with CNG fuel kit.
4. New Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
The second-generation Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is surely one of the much-awaited car launches of 2018. Major change has been made under the skin. The MPV receives a new 1.5L K15 SHVS petrol engine, sourced from the Ciaz, that’s good for 103bhp and 138Nm of torque. The diesel version, however, continued to feature the 1.3L DDiS 200 motor generating 89bhp and 200Nm. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Featuring new design language, the new Maruti Ertiga looks a lot better than the old model. With bigger dimensions, the MPV offers more cabin and boot space.
5. Mahindra Marazzo
Mahindra Marazzo, the premium MPV from the home-grown carmaker, marked its debut in October, 2018. Available in four trims – M2, M4, M6 and M8, the MPV comes with both 7-seats and 8-seats layouts. At the engine front, the Mahindra Marazzo gets a new 1.5L, four-cylinder diesel engine paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It delivers power worth 121bhp against 300Nm of torque and a claimed mileage of 17.3kmpl. The carmaker will also introduce its petrol and automatic variants before the BSVI emission norms come into effect from April, 2020.
6. Mahindra Alturas G4
Mahindra marked its entry in the premium fully-fledged SUV segment with the Alturas G4 that’s available in two variants – G4 2WD and G4 4WD. The Mahindra Alturas G4 is essentially the re-badged SsangYong G4 Rexton that was previewed at the 2018 Auto Expo. For power, the SUV makes use of a 2.2L, four-cylinder diesel engine generating 178bhp and 420Nm of torque. For gearbox duties, there is a 7-speed automatic torque converter sourced from Mercedes-Benz. Interior of the Alturas G4 is loaded with several high-tech features and lots of storage compartments.
7. Tata Tiago JTP & Tigor JTP
Tata Motors entered into performance vehicles’ space with the Tiago JTP hatchback and Tigor JTP sedan. Both models have been developed under joint venture of Tata Motors and Jayem Automotives Pvt. Ltd. The hot hatch and performance sedan are made available across select 30 Tata dealerships across the nation. Powering the JTP models is a 1.2L turbocharged Revotron petrol engine producing 112bhp and 150Nm of peak torque. Both cars can do 0 to 100kmph in 10 seconds. Besides a more powerful engine, the Tata Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP feature sporty design bits and features.
8. Ford FreeStyle
In April 2018, Ford India introduced crossover version of its popular Figo hatchback – the Ford Freestyle. The cross-hatch is made available in four trim levels – Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium+ – with both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol motor is a 1.2L Ti-VCT unit making 94bhp with 120Nm and the diesel mill is a 1.5L TDCi unit developing 100bhp with 215Nm. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard across the carline. Unlike the regular hatchback, the Ford Freestyle features plastic cladding with plastic skid, new front bumper and new 15-inch wheels. It also gets a new HD touchscreen display with Ford’s Sync3 supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
9. New Honda CR-V
Honda Cars India rolled out the fifth-generation CR-V SUV with comprehensive aesthetic and feature changes. For the first time, the Honda CR-V gets a diesel engine along with the 7-seats layout in the country. While the diesel variants come with a new 1.6L motor producing 118bhp and 300Nm, the petrol models derive power from a 2.0L engine dishing out 151bhp and 189Nm of torque. Transmission options include a new 9-speed automatic (diesel) and a CVT (petrol). The diesel version has AWD system, and the petrol variant get FWD only. Sporting all-new design and several new comfort and safety features, the new-generation Honda CR-V is surely a lot better product than its predecessor.
10. Toyota Yaris
Toyota Kirloskar Motor introduced its first mid-size sedan – Yaris – in April, 2018. The sedan carline comes in four trims – J, G, V and VX – packed with a 1.5L petrol engine. The gasoline unit churns out a maximum power of 108bhp and a peak torque of 140Nm. It can be brought either with a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 7-speed CVT automatic transmission. The CVT with paddle shifts is reserved for the top-spec trim. Toyota Yaris is the first vehicle in its category to feature roof mounted air vents with ambient illumination and a 7-inch touchscreen system with gesture control.
