The recent obsession for compact-sedans has set the Indian auto market on fire. As a result most automakers are planning to launch several new cars and facelifts of their existing entry-level sedans. Carmakers like Ford and Chevrolet that are not in this segment will also launch their products. We take a look at some of the upcoming compact sedans that will be priced in the range of Rs. 5 lakh – Rs 8 lakh.
Ford Figo Sedan
Ford, the American automaker, is planning to bring in a new lineup of cars next year. In India, Ford is betting big on the new-gen Figo and the Figo-based compact sedan, which are already on sale in the Brazilian market as KA hatchback and KA+ compact sedan respectively.
The Indian-spec model of the Ford-Figo based sedan will be a sub-four meter version, while the Brazilian model is longer than 4 meters. The vehicle was first showcased as a concept at 2014 Delhi Auto Expo. The production version resembles the Ford Figo Concept, expect for some changes on the headlamps and light clusters.
The Figo sedan is most likely to get a 1.0-litre petrol (possibly the 1.0-litre EcoBoost) and 1.5-litre diesel engines. Based on a lightweight, high tensile strength steel platform, the sedan will ensure a good performance and high fuel efficiency. Coming to the interiors, the Figo sedan is expected to look similar to the Figo hatchback, and get few new-age features.
Expected Price – Rs. 4.8 lakh – Rs. 8 lakh
Chevrolet Beat sedan
Chevrolet India is also planning to enter the sub-4 metre sedan segment with a sedan based on new-gen Beat. Based on the new Beat’s M300 platform, the compact sedan will compete against the likes of Tata Zest, Maruti Swift Dzire, Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze and the upcoming VW Polo based sedan and Ford Figo sedan.
The Chevrolet beat sedan will be positioned below the new Sail. The compact sedan will receive substantial exterior alterations, especially at front. The Beat-based sedan is expected to be offered with the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engine options.
The 1199cc petrol engine will churn out power of 82bhp with 108Nm, while the 1.3-litre oil-burner will be capable to deliver a maximum power of 74bhp with 190Nm. Both the powertrain might be paired with a five-speed gearbox. Although, the technical details are yet to be confirmed.
Expected Price – Rs. 4.5 lakh – Rs. 6.5 lakh
Tata Kite Sedan
Tata Motors, the home-grown automaker that received an overwhelming response for the Zest and will soon launch the Bolt. After the Bolt, the company is planning to launch two more mass-segment products – the Kite hatchback and Kite sub-compact sedan. The Kite sedan will most likely replace the ageing Indigo eCS in the market. Despite sharing the platform with the Indigo, the Kite is expected to be lot better in terms of design, quality and driving dynamics.
The interior might be similar to the Bolt. It will get a smaller steering wheel and rectangular air-con vents. The all new Kite will be powered with the Bolt’s 1.2-litre petrol engine, and a new 1.05-litre, three-cylinder diesel engine. The diesel unit is expected to deliver a maximum power of 64bhp with 142Nm of torque. Both the engines will be combined with a five-speed manual gearbox, while an AMT is most likely to be launched as an option.
Expected Price – Rs. 4 lakh – Rs. 5 lakh
