Upcoming Cars of 2013 from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh

Dec 19, 2012
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5 min read

The Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh price bracket will mostly see face-lifts or new-gen versions of existing cars. But this year will also see luxury brands such as Mercedes and BMW bring in their most affordable models to India.

Mercedes-Benz Viano*

Rebadged Mercedes-Benz Viano from Force Motors

Expected: End of 2013, Price: Rs. Rs 10-15 lakh

Force Motors aims to cash in on the MPV segment boom with its own new luxury minivan. The new vehicle is based on the Mercedes-Benz Viano and will be manufactured under license from the German auto major. The yet to be named luxury eight-seater will be larger than other MPVs on sale currently.

It is speculated that the new vehicle will have features which are unheard of in the current MPV segment. Powering the vehicle will be the Mercedes-sourced 2.2-litre diesel engine which produces 139PS of power and is the same unit currently used in the Force One SUV. Prices are expected to be around Rs 10-15 lakh. Of course, if you are on this page, what you are really looking at is the top-end spec with all the bells and whistles.

New Skoda Octavia

Expected: End of 2013, Price: Rs 11-16 lakh

The Octavia was a raging success when it was launched in India. And now Skoda is all set to relive the success with the all new Octavia. From the spy shots, it looks more premium than the outgoing model but on the other hand it does borrow a lot of its styling cues from several cars in the VW Group. The Skoda Octavia will ride on the MQB platform that underpins the new Golf and Leon. It will be lighter than the second-gen model and will be offered with more premium features for the high-end versions, without compromising the affordable variants that made the car a success in Europe and India.

*Image for representational purpose only

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Expected: Mid 2013, Price: Rs 18 lakh

The stunning new A-class which debuted earlier this year has already created waves all over the world and will soon be doing the same on Indian shores. What the A-Class is also sure to do, is welcome buyers to the three pointed club at a very attractive price since it will be the cheapest Mercedes in India. Large hatch back dimensions, loaded with features and a three pointed star upfront, Mercedes-Benz is definitely on a roll.

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2013 Renault Fluence

Expected: April 2013, Price: Rs 18 lakh

Renault has recently showcased the new 2013 Fluence in Istanbul. The D-segment sedan sports a new design language and although it’s meant for the European market, we can expect something similar in India. With Clio MK4 kind of styling incorporating a new design philosophy seen on the concept car Zoe, it features a refreshed sleek grille with the Renault badge that extends up to the hood; new tail lamps, alloy wheels, and LED Daytime Running lamps.

It is likely to sport the 1.5-litre mill that does duty in the current gen Fluence. It could even get a new and more powerful 1.6-litre dCi diesel and 1.6-litre 117PS petrol engine to settle the being underpowered issue.

BMW 1 Series

Expected: Mid 2013, Price: Rs 18 - 22 lakh

There has been a constant debate on whether BMW India would ever introduce the 1 Series in India. Adding fuel to the fire was the introduction of the 1 Series Coupe which resulted in the speculation of a four door sedan based on the 1 Series, however to lay all rumours and visionary stories to rest, BMW India has confirmed that it is the 1 Series hatch will be making its Indian debut in 2013.

The car itself is a premium hatchback and boasts of the best of BMW's DNA. For enthusiasts who are looking for a pure driver's machine, the 1 Series fits the bill perfectly. It's small, powerful, well kitted, agile and touted to handle like its on rails. The icing on the cake however is the fact that it is rear wheel drive!

In terms of engines, the 1 Series is offered with two engine choices that boast various states of tune. the 1.6 petrol unit is available in both a 136bhp and 170bhp output while the 2.0 diesel unit is capable of producing 116bhp, 143bhp and 184bhp depending on the variant. While all these choices would be welcome by BMW aficionados in India, the company is most likely to bring in the 136bhp petrol and the 143bhp diesel but we are keeping our fingers crossed for the high end output variants as well. However, at this price range do not expect to own a top-of-the-line variant.

Next-gen Honda Accord

Expected: Mid 2013, Price: Rs 20 lakh

The 2013 Honda Accord takes technology performance and design to the next level. In its ninth generation, the Accord offers features of entry level luxury sedans, such as Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection and Camera and multi-angle reversing camera while airbags are expected to be standard. The new Accord will now sport a 282PS, V6 petrol motor besides a 2.4-litre, inline 4, 187PS engine. Transmission options include six-speed manual and automatic.

The body made of high strength steel using Revised Advanced Compatibility Engineering, is supposed to have improved frontal crash safety. The completely redesigned insides feature black, grey and ivory leather or cloth upholstery and dual zone climate control.

A new MacPherson strut front suspension and steel and aluminium front subframe improve ride and handling. The new electronic power steering uses an electric motor instead of a hydraulic system.

Skoda Superb*

Face-lifted Skoda Superb

Expected: Early 2013, Price: Rs 18-28 lakh

Skoda’s flagship sedan is all set to go under the knife as well. Expect minor sheet-metal changes up front with restyled headlights, and re-profiled bumpers. In profile, the styling remains mostly the same. Changes to the tail lamps are due as well and is sure to look more in line with current-generation VW and Audi models.

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