Upcoming car launches in January 2019

NEW DELHI: The new year has begun and January itself has about five car launches in its kitty. The new models in the line range from a mass-segment hatchback to a luxury brand’s re-entry into the Multi-purpose vehicle segment.


1. 2019 Maruti Suzuki WagonR

The WagonR has been a hard-to-miss boxy hatchback on Indian roads since close to two decades now. The mass-segment commuter is all set for a new update set to hit the Indian market on January 23, 2019.

As per industry speculations, the new WagonR will be based on the same platform as the model it replaces. Hence, its predecessor’s tall-boy design will be retained by the carmaker with a couple of cosmetic changes.

The 2019 WagonR is expected to feature a touchscreen infotainment system in the higher variants, to meet the challenge posed by its competitors. After its launch, it will rival the likes of Tata Tiago, the new Hyundai Santro, Maruti Suzuki Celerio and the Datsun Go facelift.

An electric WagonR prototype has also been spotted during testing in India. This project is in line with the carmaker’s commitment to introduce an electric vehicle by 2020.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki flags-off electric vehicles for field testing

2. Tata Harrier

Tata Motors soon to be launched SUV has created quite a buzz in the industry. Touted to be one of the most anticipated launches of 2019, the Tata Harrier will enter the Indian market on January 23, 2019. Based on the same platform that underpins Land Rover’s Discovery Sport, the Harrier is expected to give the Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV500, Hyundai Creta and the

Nissan Kicks

a run for their money.




Under the hood, the SUV will carry a 2.0-litre diesel engine churning 140PS of power and return a peak torque of 350Nm. At its launch, the Harrier will not offer a petrol engine or even an automatic gearbox. It is expected to be priced between Rs 16-21 lakh (on-road).

Also Read: Tata Harrier SUV first drive review

3. Nissan Kicks

While the Nissan Kicks is already available in the international market as a crossover, its Indian iteration will be a compact SUV. It will be launched sometime in January and directly rival Hyundai's popular SUV, Creta. It will come with two powertrain options — a 106PS, 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 110PS, 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine coupled with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed manual transmission, respectively.




Also Read: Nissan Kicks first drive review: Creta may get a tough fight soon
4. Toyota Camry

Toyota’s luxury sedan is set to re-enter India in the third week of January. The 8th-generation Camry is based on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that will add more space to the car. It is expected to be driven by an updated hybrid powertrain that delivers a cumulative power of 208PS (176PS from the petrol motor and 118PS from the electric). Industry estimates peg the new sedan to be priced around Rs 38 lakh (ex-showroom).




5. Mercedes-Benz V-class

Mercedes-Benz will launch its luxury V-class MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) on January 24, 2019, in Mumbai. The carmaker's first launch of the year will also mark its re-entry to the premium MPV segment. The model will be a CBU (Completely Built Up) unit likely to be offered in two-seat arrangements — a six seater and a seven-seater. The V-Class is expected to be priced above Rs 72 lakh (ex-showroom).