Automotive launch pad for June

The mood enhancers continue unabated in the land. After a successful general election and the resultant expectation of stability plus a market which is looking optimist, the scene looks good as we move out of the gloomy period we have encountered over the better part of just under a year. In all this though the new model programmes of the automotive majors continue with their own pre-determined timelines and in case it sounds dubious, let us make it known that amidst all the downturn and mental turmoil, the automotive industry in the country has to count itself fortunate that so many OEMs had new model programmes underway. Call it the throw of the dice or pure coincidence but sure enough in India this is exactly what has panned out since January this year.

As we move to the midway point in the year, we have a slew of very significant new model launches lined up for the Indian market, split equally between the mass market offerings and those for the well heeled set. The two most significant launches would be in the large premium hatchback segment which is seeing unprecedented action this year. Honda SIEL Cars would launch, on June 10, the much eagerly awaited Honda Jazz supermini with its specially-developed tax-busting 1.2-litre iVTEC engine. This marvel of packaging - more mini-MPV-esque than hatch - breaks the supermini mould with acres of space in a very small package, making every other car look inadequate in terms of occupant space and cabin airiness. Add to that legendary Honda refinement, performance, fuel efficiency, build quality, pleasure to drive ability and also the pride of ownership, this just could be the automotive equivalent of fine soothing music car buyers want to experience in this category of the market.

A mere week would separate the launch of the Honda Jazz from its Indian-built and Italian-designed rival, the Fiat Grande Punto. This acclaimed European large hatchback is noted for its perceived strong build and having the same mechanicals as the larger Fiat Linea would endow it with zestful performance. The Grande Punto single-handedly changed Fiat's fortunes in Europe and enabled the Italian major to ride out the recession at the start of the decade. Boasting good dynamic ability, much will depend on how well the car is priced and also how effectively its drivetrain is tuned to the package. The tentative date of launch for the Fiat Grande Punto is scheduled for June 17.

Tata Motors is also getting ready to unleash its Indigo Vista saloon. The new Indica Vista has been well received and the company would be hoping that the same holds true for the new Indigo Vista which would use a load of mechanicals similar to those doing duty in the Fiat Linea. Of course the Tata product would have both a more competitive price tag plus also a robust build plus it would obviously build on its large cabin space proposition which was such a huge driver to sales in its original avatar. Also if Tata Motors gets its product placement spot-on, expect the Indigo Vista to give such cars as the Suzuki Swift D'Zire a strong run for its money.

Moving to the premium end of the automotive spectrum, German major Audi will usher in its Q5 SUV on June 5. The Q5 is the newer and smaller offering in Audi's SUV range which of course includes the massive and highly impressive Q7. Slightly scaled down but with very friendly proportions for our roads, the Q5 is an even more accomplished performer given that it employs the same 3.0-litre TDI engine mated to the ultra-modern and highly efficient seven-speed dual clutch DSG transmission. It of course employs Audi's signature Quattro all wheel drive system and comes across as a more personal, driver focused vehicle for the well heeled. If taken against the likes of the smaller SUVs like the X3 from BMW and also the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the new Audi Q5 sure has the makings of a winner.

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Speaking of Toyota, the Japanese numero uno via its Indian subsidiary Toyota Kirloskar Motor Ltd. is finally going to bring in the big daddy of traditional SUVs to India. This is the large 4.5-litre diesel-engined Land Cruiser which is revered in its class as possibly the most accomplished vehicle of its kind. It is a giant of course and belongs right there against the likes of Audi's Q7, VW Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne but its long illustrious operating record is the stuff legends are made of. This large Land Cruiser, with Amazonian-proportions, has distinguished itself in operation all over the world, be it in the sandy wastes of the Middle East to the rough and tumble of Africa, the hardy inhospitable stretches of Australia or the tough swampy regions of South America. This vehicle, to be launched in Mumbai on June 9, would be a solidly equipped vehicle with all the bells and whistles with pricing to match.

From January to date, the Indian automotive market has witnessed no less than seven brand new cars and an equal number of upgraded versions of existing models from our OEMs. The above mentioned five models are spanking new vehicles and with just half the year gone, it averages out to around two brand new models per month! Never in the history of the Indian automotive industry has such a record of sorts ever been established. Did we ever hear the word recession?