new car special cover story Honda Jazz FaCEliFt
maruti Suzuki AlTO + KWID RIvAl A full rePlAceMent for india’s highest-selling hatchback ever has been a long time coming, but now Maruti may finally bring in an all-new Alto. there is buzz of an ignis-like design, so expect
the tiMe seeMs about right for honda to introduce the mid-cycle facelift of its Jazz hatchback. Already showcased at the frankfurt motor show this year, changes from the outgoing model include a new headlight signature, a revised grille, tweaked bumpers, and new metallic colour options. for india, expect it to sport a similar design, get some extra equipment and an infotainment system similar to the one on the city sedan and Wr-V crossover. engine options are expected to remain the same as the current model.
the shape and look to be a sharp departure from the current model’s. What is also expected is a far more spacious interior that is fitted with a touchscreen infotainment system. With the new Bharat stage safety norms to be implemented soon, expect the new Alto to come with safety features like anti-lock brakes as standard. in addition to the Alto, Maruti is also readying another small car to rival the kwid. design is likely to be suV-inspired and have a higher ground clearance. Both models will get Maruti’s current 800cc petrol and a 1.0-litre k-series petrol engine.
Coming: Mid 2018 Engines: 1.2P, 1.5d Price: rs 6-9.3 lakh
Coming: 2018 Engines: 0.8P, 1.0P Price: rs 2.5-4.2 lakh
Hyundai i20 FaCEliFt
tata tiago sPort
Ford Figo Cross
hyundAi kneW it had a winner on its hands with the second-generation i20 hatchback. in spite of its premium price tag, the i20 found a strong fan following, thanks to its style, performance, quality and reliability. As part of the facelift, the front gets styling tweaks which brings it more in line with the latest from hyundai. it does away with the two-part grille and in its place, is a single, large ‘cascading grille’. the headlamps seem more angular as well. expect hyundai to bump equipment levels slightly, while current engine options are expected to continue.
Coming: early 2018 Engines: 1.2P, 1.4P, 1.4d Price: rs 5.5-9.5 lakh
Coming: Mid 2018 Engines: 1.2P, 1.5P, 1.5d Price: rs 5-8 lakh
shashank dhargalkar
pravan shathivel
fOrd tOO is looking to cash in on the crossover craze with a beefed-up version of the figo hatchback. cosmetic enhancements include a prominent black cladding that runs across the length of the vehicle, and black alloy wheels. front and rear bumpers will also be beefed up in order to differentiate it from its hatchback sibling. in addition to the figo cross, ford is also readying facelifted versions of the figo and Aspire, with all three models getting the manufacturer’s new 1.5-litre dragon engine.
tAtA MOtOrs is revving up to launch a hotter variant of its tiago hatchback, called the tiago sport. the model is being developed by Jts – a joint venture between Jayem Automotives and tata Motors for performance vehicles. Powering it will be the 1.2-litre revotron turbo-petrol from the nexon, producing close to 110hp. the tiago sport will also feature other performance upgrades like a lowered suspension, stiffer damping and an aggressivelooking body kit to distinguish it from the regular hatchback. Price-wise, it is expected to undercut its contemporaries like the Maruti Baleno rs , Volkswagen Polo and the Abarth Punto.
Coming: early 2018 Engines: 1.2P Price: rs 7 lakh
december 2017 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 91