Audi A3

Expected Date: February - 2013

Expected Price: Rs. 22,00,000

Honda CR-V Diesel

Expected Date: February - 2013

Expected Price: Rs. 24,00,000

New E-Class heading to India in 2013

Taking on challenges from Audi and BMW, Mercedes-Benz has come out with a refreshed version of their flagship model the E-Class. By conducting such a comprehensive redevelopment of the E-Class range, Mercedes- Benz is ensuring that its customers benefit from the very latest technical advances as soon as possible. The new E-Class also comes with distinctive updates in its styling for an elegant and sporty look, as well as significantly enhanced comfort features and upscale equipment, rounded-off by an exceptional level of efficiency and everyday driving pleasure. All of this comes together to ensure that the E-Class continues to consolidate its leading position in the luxury segment. For the first time, the new E-Class will be available with two different front-end designs. The Luxury version comes with the classic sedan grille with 3-louver look and star on the hood. The Sport version, on the other hand, features the sports grille with integrated star, forming a visual link to the brand’s high performance sports car models.  The new E-Class will also have better refined engines, better suspension and loads of new standard and optional features.

Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ

Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ

It's a rare opportunity to realize that one is witnessing history, and I think all of us who reported on these near twins recognized that we were seeing the birth of what will be remembered as one of the decade's great cars. The FR-S and BRZ -- they are close enough in content and character to be covered together -- are true back-to-basics sports cars designed to evoke memories of the Toyota Corolla AE86, the accidental hero of the drifting world. But the Scibaru is not a hobbled homage like the Honda CR-Z -- this car truly hits its mark by emphasizing handling finesse over straight-line performance. These little rear-drivers are so well balanced that even a lousy drifter like me can pop the throttle, kick the tail out, countersteer, and (with a little practice) transform an ordinary corner into a ballet. Though both cars have Subaru souls, I'm partial to the Scion, which has a little less equipment and a little more tail-happy bias. Still, the truth is that if you can appreciate the merits of a rear-wheel-drive car, you can't go wrong with either one.

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima

If you look back on past Best New Cars lists, you'll see that toeing the line does not generally earn a spot here -- but the Altima is the exception. On paper, there is nothing remarkable about the all-new Altima; in fact, with its rather conventional choice of four-cylinder and V6 engines, it seems like a bit of a throwback. But what sets the Altima apart is how well it covers the details. Nissan concentrated on the basics: Comfy seats, easy-to-operate controls, a roomy cabin, and lots of equipment for a very reasonable price. As with many things, the whole is more than the sum of its parts: The Altima is a viscerially satisfying car, one that fills its owner with the assurance that he or she made an intelligent choice. If more manufacturers followed Nissan's lead of perfecting rather than re-inventing, the Altima would be facing much tougher competition.

Lexus LS

Lexus LS

The Lexus LS is a car I never expected would make it to the Best New Cars list -- and yet here we are! Technically, the 2013 Lexus LS is not an all-new car; it's an extensive refresh of the 2007 model, which has spent the last five years loitering in anonymity. What a transformation! Outside, the new LS trades its blobononymous styling for sharp-looking creases and aggressive-looking angles. Inside, the LS drops its gussied-up-Camry persona for a properly luxurious cabin. But the biggest change is the driving experience, especially on cars with optional three-mode air suspension, which supplements the LS' trademark church-quiet ride with respectable road manners -- it may be the size of a barge, but the LS drives like a tight and tidy mid-sizer. The new LS 460 F-Sport model feels properly athletic -- still shy of BMW, but more alive in the curves than the Mercedes S-Class. And the 438 hp hybrid drivetrain in the LS 600h provides the effortless torque of a German V-12. It's been twenty-five years since the Lexus LS redefined luxury for American drivers, and it's nice to see the car clawing its way back out of obscurity.

Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion

This could be the most significant Ford since the original 1986 Taurus: A mid-size sedan that puts Ford out in front, not just ahead of the domestics but leading the Japanese competition as well. The Fusion's slick, European-penned styling makes nearly every competing mid-size sedan look three years out of date, and I love the array of high-tech engines, which includes two turbocharged direct-injected fours, regular and plug-in hybrids, and a plain ol' 2.5 liter four-banger. Inside, the high-lux interior meets or beats the competition on rear seat comfort and trunk space. All this, and plus the Fusion made right here in America. (Well, most of them; some versions are assembled in Mexico.) As I write this, the Fusion is going through some teething troubles, but I'm confident Ford will get them sorted and the Fusion will be remembered as one of the greatest vehicles to come out of Detroit.

Nissan Murano

Expected Date: January - 2013

Expected Price: Rs. 25,00,000

Nissan is planning to launch its mid-size SUV for the Indian market. The Murano which sells well in the US will compete directly with the Q5 and the X3 in India. This vehicle is fitted with a large 3.5 litre V6 engine with 24 vales producing 265bhp and mated to a CVT transmission. The car has a 0-100kmph acceleration time of just 9 seconds and it also features ABS, EBD and ESP amongst many other tech and safety features. A brand new cross cabriolet of the Murano is also available for the international market. This car is actually a cross between a cabriolet, a coupe and a SUV. You see, the top of this car can actually come off and there are only 2 doors. But it is uncertain if this version of the Murano will reach Indian shores.

Nissan Models

• Nissan 370Z
• Nissan Evalia
• Nissan Micra
• Nissan Sunny
• Nissan Teana
• Nissan X-Trail

Maruti New 800

Expected Date: January - 2013

Expected Price: Rs. 2,00,000

The legendary car that brought mobility to the masses will be back in an all new avatar for 2012. The Maruti 800 will get a re-designed exterior body as well as some added interior features. The engine will be a new state of the art 796cc petrol engine that can produce around 37bhp and mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The car will come at a very low price at around Rs 2 lakh to give it some distance below the Alto. Expect the car to be available in early 2012.

Mahindra Reva NXR

Expected Date: January - 2013

Expected Price: Rs. 3,50,000

The iconic all-electric car, the REVA will also be coming out with a newer model. After being bought up by Mahindra and collaborating with a number of foreign suppliers, the company will now comes out with the Reva NXR. The concept was showcased at the Frankfurt motor show, but now the production verison is nearly complete. REVA NXR is an M1 category three-door, four-seater hatchback family car that is suitable for urban driving. Top speed is 104 kph with a range of 160 kms per charge. If using the 90 minute fast charge (normal charging is eight hours), the REVA NXR offers an effective range of 320km a day, while a fast charge for 15 minutes will provide a 40 km range. The REVA NXR has keyless entry and operation, dual charge ports, intelligent digital display and a range of telematics. These include SMS alerts and commands such as distance-to-empty and time-to-full charge, remote cabin heat/cool, a monthly eco-drive check by email, service and insurance alerts, remote diagnostics and healing and REVive remote emergency charge. A launch date is not confirmed but it will receive a European launch first and then perhaps and Indian launch.

Honda New CR-V

Expected Date: January - 2013

Expected Price: Rs. 20,00,000

The new Honda CR-V is expected to be available in India for 2012. There is more standard equipment, better safety features and more powerful and efficient engines. The car uses a newer 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 185bhp - up from the last generation’s 180bhp - and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Features will include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a full-color multi-information display, air conditioning, cruise control, i-MID, remote entry, a four-speaker audio system and Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS), power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and more. There are also loads of options to choose from. Safety comes in the form of VSA, an electronic stability control system, ABS with Brake Assist, side-curtain airbags, front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System.

Ford Endeavour Pickup

Expected Date: January - 2013

Expected Price: Rs. 20,00,000

If rumors are to be believed, then India might see a Ford Endeavour Pickup truck version very soon. Based on the Ford Ranger, the 2012 Endeavour will draw on most of its looks from this vehicle, however a pick-up version of the endeavor has not been mentioned by Ford India and it does seem a little unpractical. The 7-seater version seems more likely, but I am sure many car pickup enthusiasts would disagree. It looks like we will have to wait and see just which direction Ford plans to take their new Endeavour.

Chevrolet Volt

Expected Date: January - 2013

Expected Price: Rs. 34,00,000

It was first shown to the Indian masses at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010. The car has since then been launched in the United States with great success and GM claim that they are planning to bring the high voltage Chevy Volt to the Indian Market. This plug in electric hybrid vehicle uses a 1.4 litre internal combustion engine which can produce 80bhp and it also uses an 111kW electric motor that feeds of two lithium ion batteries and is capable of producing 150bhp and 370Nm of torque. The electric range of the car is around 55km and once the batteries are drained the drive train switches to the petrol engine. The interiors are also well laid out and the overall design is basic and efficient. The car can also blast from 0-100kmph in less than 9 seconds.

Chevrolet Spark - 800cc

Expected Date: January - 2013

Expected Price: Rs. 3,00,000

GM has announced plans to launch an 800 cc version of the Spark. Because of the high demand for cheaper small cars, the move to fit the Spark with a smaller engine was necessary. The 800cc Spark will be GM’s lowest priced offering in the Indian market and will compete with the Nanao and Alto. The Spark will be powered by a 795cc 3-cylinder that can create around 50bhp. This engine will also be able to provide a very good fuel economy of 22kmpl. This 800cc spark is already on sale in South Africa and will reach India very soon.

Chevrolet CN 100 (MPV)

Expected Date: January - 2013

Expected Price: Rs. 5,00,000

The JV between GM and SAIC has also helped to create the CN100, which is a MPV. The name that will be given to the car that will be brought to India will be changed and the engine variants that we will receive have not yet been decided. The MPV, when launched however, will compete directly with the cars such as the Mahindra Xylo. It will most probably be powered by a 1.3 litre multi-jet engine. The interiors are decent and the car will be able to seat a maximum of 7 people.

Audi A5

Expected Date: January - 2013

Expected Price: Rs. 30,00,000

The Audi A5 has plans to launch this desired coupe in India very soon. The car is sensuous in its design with curves galore in a sporty yet classy manner. For the Indian market it would be available in three different variants including a 3.2 litre V6 and a 4.2 litre V8 petrol engine as well as 3.0 litre diesel version. The car will also be available in a cabriolet avatar which the current Indian market lacks. The car also features a long wheel base and wide wheel track which provides additional stability and the car also comes loaded with German technological features such as ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, headlight range adjustment, state of the art infotainment system and a host of safety features.

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