Top 10 Upcoming Cars In India 2017

2017 has a diverse line-up of upcoming cars that will cater to different buyers across different segments. From performance hatchbacks to sedans and luxury cars, there's something fro everyone. While some cars are all-new launches, a few are comprehensive updates bringing a host of new features, styling and even engine options to current cars. Interestingly, 2017 will also see a much awaited luxury brand finally make its way to the Indian market with the launch scheduled very soon. With the year certainly looking bright, here are our top 10 upcoming cars in India for 2017.

1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS

Indian small car specialist, Maruti Suzuki, unveiled the new and sportier version of it increasingly popular Baleno hatchback, christened as the Baleno RS, at 2016 Auto Expo. And it is one of the most anticipated one among the upcoming cars in India. We have seen the car being tested in the country and the differences in terms of appearance between the regular Baleno and RS version isn't all that big. That said, the major difference comes fitted with the much awaited 1.0-litre BoosterJet, direct injection, turbo petrol engine. The 3-cylinder motor is capable of churning out 112bhp and develops a peak torque of 175Nm.

Besides featuring a host of cosmetic add-ons in the form of its aggressive body kit, the Baleno RS will also get better interior. Improvements will include minimal chrome inserts, all-black theme, sporty front seats with cross stitched upholstery, and aluminium finish pedals. The car will arrive sometime next year and will be available on the top-spec Alpha trim.

Expected Launch: January, 2017
Expected Price: Rs 9 lakh - Rs 10 lakh

2. New-Gen Hyundai Verna

It has been quite a while since the Hyundai Verna has received a generation upgrade in India. Hyundai gave the car a facelift last year and is now working on the new-gen model which is set to arrive next year. Based on the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy, the new generation Hyundai Verna is angular and bears resemblance to the all-new Elantra sedan. The swept back headlamps are reminiscent of the ones on the existing model but thanks to the overall design of the car, the face now looks sharper. The cluster comes shod with projector lights, LED DRLs, while the bumper gets angular fog lamps.

The cabin is all-black and looks premium and gets brushed silver finish all over. There's a large 8-inch touchscreen display in the centre console and it'll also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options (which we've seen in the Elantra). Other features will include auto climate control, sunroof, push button start and much more.

The 2017 Hyundai Verna will be powered by 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel naturally aspirated engines that will produce power between 98bhp to 120bhp. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and automatic. The automatic though will be available only on the 1.6-litre versions of the car.

Expected Launch: Mid 2017

Expected Price: ₹ 8 lakh - ₹ 12 lakh

3. Volkswagen Tiguan

The last two years have proven that Volkswagen is truly getting serious about the Indian market. The launch of products like the new-gen Beetle, the all-new Ameo, Polo GTI have shown us the German carmaker is expanding its product portfolio in India with products from different segments. Next VW is all set to enter the premium SUV segment with the launch of the new Tiguan SUV. Slated for an early 2017 launch, the new Volkswagen Tiguan is based on the carmaker's popular MQB platform and comes with a host new design and cosmetic changes. We have already driven the car in our comprehensive review here.

Under the hood, it comes with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine that is capable of churning out a maximum of 147bhp. The 1968cc turbocharged motor will come mated to the company's tried and tested 7-speed DSG automatic unit in the India-spec Tiguan. That said, European markets will get four TSI petrol engines churning out 123bhp, 147bhp, 177bhp, and 217bhp along with the TDI motor and the option of a 6-speed manual gearbox as well.

Expected Launch: Mid 2017
Expected Price: ₹ 30 lakh

4. Nissan X-Trail Hybrid

The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid has already made an appearance in India at the 2016 Auto Expo. Upon launch, it will be the only hybrid SUV in the country and our country will only be the 4th market in the world to have the new X-Trail hybrid. Owing to poor monthly sales, Nissan had decided to withdraw the X-Trail from India a few years ago. However, this model is built on a completely new platform and will be introduced at a time when Indian buyers are accepting premium SUVs in India. The X-Trail Hybrid is built on the CMF-C platform, which will also make its debut in India. 

The SUV will have a 5-seater layout and measure 4,640mm in length, 1,820mm in width and 1,715mm in height. The wheelbase is 2,705mm. Under the hood will be a 2.0-litre petrol engine which makes 142bhp and 200Nm of torque. There is also a 31kW electric motor that is coupled with the engine which takes the total power output to 183bhp. The transmission duties will be done by the X-CVT unit which can also be specified with an AWD system. The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid will be launched in India as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) and therefore, will be carrying a premium price.

Expected Launch: Mid-2017
Expected Price: Rs 32 Lakh to Rs 35 Lakh

5. New-Gen Toyota Camry

Toyota will launch the new generation Camry sedan and hybrid. The car has been one of the best-selling models in Toyota's line-up, globally and the success of the Camry hybrid sedan in India has been one example. As the outgoing model, we'll get the new-gen Camry in both its sedan and hybrid avatar and according to the company the model will be dynamic and offer improved handling and comfort. Moreover, Toyota says that the next generation Camry will definitely be positioned as a fun to drive and performance-oriented sedan.

Technical specification and details are yet to be revealed but specification-wise and price-wise, the new Camry will have extremely varied versions to suit different markets. It should break cover sometime next year, with market introductions by 2018 at the very latest. An Auto Expo debut in Feb 2018 is looking highly likely than for India too.

Expected Launch: End 2017
Expected Price: ₹ 30 lakh to ₹ 35 lakh

6. Tata Tigor

While the Hexa is all set to arrive in January next year, Tata Motors will also introduce the Tigor subcompact sedan in 2017. The Tigor was one of the showstoppers at the Tata pavilion during the 2016 Auto Expo and received positive reviews for its refreshing design. Essentially, a booted version of the Tiago, the Tigor is expected to get a new nameplate at the time of its launch, but specifications and features will be shared with the Tata's popular new hatchback.

Power will come from the same 1.05 litre diesel and 1.2 litre petrol three-cylinder engines. Both motors come paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It is likely that the subcompact sedan will get an AMT unit as well, later in the timeline. That said, the Tiago is expected to get an AMT unit next year as well.

Expected Launch: Mid-2017
Expected Price: ₹ 4.5 lakh to ₹ 6 lakh

7. Tata Nexon

The other product that could be a game changer for the Indian automaker, the Nexon subcompact SUV made its debut as a concept at the 2014 Auto Expo, while a more production ready version was also on display at the Auto Expo this year. The sub 4-metre model will be competing with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV300 and the likes in the segment.

Specifications are still scarce on the all-new offering, but the Tata Nexon is expected to be powered by the 1.2-litre petrol and possibly a newly developed 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmissions options will include a 6-speed manual and AMT units. The Nexon is expected to be feature loaded inside the cabin and is expected to feature a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone connectivity and a lot more. The Nexon will also be the smallest SUV to come from Tata Motors.

Expected Launch: Late-2017
Expected Price: ₹ 6.5 lakh to ₹ 10 lakh

8. 2017 Jeep Compass

Jeep finally made its way to India earlier this year and while its current SUVs are far from the reach of the common man, the American automaker will be introducing a more affordable SUV in the second half of 2017. To be locally manufactured for domestic and global markets, the Jeep Compass was recently unveiled in Brazil and shares its underpinnings with the Renegade compact SUV.

The Compass carries the design language from the Grand Cherokee and looks quintessentially Jeep from all angles. The automaker will locally manufacture the model at the company's Ranjangaon facility near Pune. Engine options are expected to include the 2.0 litre petrol and diesel mills while transmissions will comprise manual and automatic units. The Jeep Compass will come equipped with 4x4 right from launch, keeping the brand's off-roading heritage intact.

Expected Launch: Late-2017
Expected Price: ₹ 25 lakh to ₹ 30 lakh

9. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Facelift

While the 2017 Honda City facelift has arrived and already amased over 5000 bookings, Maruti Suzuki is no mood to let go of its leadership in the C-segment sedan space. That's why the Indian auto giant is readying up the facelifted version of the Ciaz sedan that will be introduced in the country later this year. First launched in 2014, the Ciaz will be receiving significant changes over the outgoing version, but do not expect major updates to the design or powertrain of the model. Instead, the sedan will see premium touches being added to the exterior and interior.

The 2017 Maruti Suzuki Ciaz facelift is expected to get a revised grille and alloy wheels, new daytime running lights, revised headlamp and tail light cluster as part of the changes. A sunroof is also expected to be added to the ensemble. The interior will also see a more premium appearance while the feature list is likely to remain the same, albeit some new additions. Powertrain options will include the 1.4 litre K-Series petrol and 1.3 litre DDiS diesel engines with the latter getting the mild-hybrid SHVS system. Another change will be the Ciaz moving to the more premium Nexa dealership outlets. While the move is yet to be confirmed, reports suggest that Maruti will be doing so, keeping in mind the's sedna's premium image. A marginal price hike will also be in order.

Expected Launch: April 2017
Expected Price: ₹ 8 lakh to ₹ 13 lakh

10. Lexus Range

If you've been a fan of Toyota's luxury arm, rejoice! Lexus is finally coming to India and will be making its Indian debut with four models from its global line-up. The premium cars will be competing with a host of offerings from existing German offerings that currently rule the luxury space. The automaker will be initially introducing the RX450 and the ES300h, which will be followed by more models in the future.

Lexus will announce its products and dealerships next month in March, while opening order books as well. A lot of Toyota dealers are said to have taken up Lexus dealerships, while the company will offer independent dealers as well in the future. Lexus and Toyota will however, share the same service network, although there will be a separate bay altogether for servicing the Lexus cars.