7 Highly Anticipated Cars Of 2017

The year 2016 has had its ups and downs. This is especially true for the auto industry. While the industry had to face new rules like the Delhi diesel deregistration and the odd-even rule, launch of cars like the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Toyota Innova Crysta came as the silver lining on the proverbial dark cloud. But now, all that is about to be a distant reflection in 2017's rear view mirror. The launches in the coming year have already created quite a buzz. Today, we list seven cars which we feel will be the defining cars for the year 2017. So without further ado let's get right to it. 

1. Maruti Suzuki Ignis

The Ignis was one of the biggest stars of the 2016 Auto Expo. The SUV-ish looks in a compact package made it a crowd favourite. After waiting for almost a year, the country will finally receive this little bundle of joy on January 13, 2016. What’s special about this micro SUV is that it packs a lot of features and appeal of a premium hatchback but, will still cost less than the big guns. To mention a few, the car will have a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control and fully-LED headlamps with daytime running lights. Also, the Ignis will introduce a diesel automatic drivetrain, a much-needed addition to the B-segment hatchbacks. All this, for less than the price of a Baleno or an Elite i20, is really impressive. To know more about the Ignis, check out the following link. 

Maruti Suzuki Ignis First Look: For The Insta Generation

2. Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS

Until now, a Maruti with an RS badge meant some added body kits and graphics, but not anymore. With the Baleno RS, Maruti is showing its customers the performance side of the brand, while keeping its efficient and reliable values intact. How, you ask? Simple, take an efficient 1.0-litre engine and add a swirling turbo to it. Once you are done, mount this engine on a lightweight chassis, result: the Baleno RS. This car will produce 102PS pf power and 150Nm of torque. This power will be sent to the front wheels via a five-speed, manual transmission. The underpinnings such as the suspension, brakes and tyres will be shared with the petrol Alpha variant of the standard Baleno. In addition, the RS will be available in the Alpha guise only. It will also feature a body kit for that added bit of sportiness. Pegged to be priced around Rs 7-9 lakhs, the Baleno RS is on the wishlist of a lot of driving enthusiasts, who have a tight budget. To know more about the BoosterJet-powered Baleno RS, check out the link below. 

Maruti Baleno BoosterJet Spied With Rear Disc Brakes

3. Tata Hexa

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Tata is strong willed about recapturing its customers in the passenger car sector. And after witnessing the success of the the Tiago, it seems like Tata is on a right path. But now, the Indian automaker is ready for the big test of launching its big-boy crossover in the market - the Hexa. This SUV/crossover has great road presence, masculine looks, the right attitude and most importantly, is armed to the teeth with features which make it premium. All this is further complimented by a powerful 2.2-litre VARICOR diesel engine which produces 156PS/400Nm and is mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission (150PS/320Nm, five-speed manual in base XE trim). To count a few of the many features, the Hexa flaunts LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), projector headlamps, Impact Design grille, dual-tone bumpers, 19-inch alloy wheels and roof rails on the exterior and a five-inch infotainment system, six airbags, multiple drive modes, 10 speakers, storage space on dashboard and a wide centre armrest in the cabin. Know more about the Hexa in the link below. 

Tata Hexa: First Drive Review

4. Honda WR-V

Honda's take on the sub-4 metre SUV, the WR-V, has the character of a crossover and will take on the likes of the Ford EcoSport. The WR-V is essentially a Jazz-based SUV and will go on sale in in the country by mid-2017.  The name - WR-V - stands for ‘Winsome Runabout Vehicle’ and this SUV was developed by Honda’s Brazilian R&D team. To make the Jazz look like an SUV, the WR-V has been given a high-set bonnet and Honda’s current chrome grille design, flanked by swept-back headlamps. These units feature halogen lights but have LED daytime running lights. The front bumper has been chiselled in a way to make the car appear wider. Check out more details of the WR-V in the link below. 

India-Bound Honda WR-V Officially Showcased

5. Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda's take on the premium crossover space, the Kodiaq is a full-sized seven-seater from the Czech automaker. The Kodiak has been made 'Simply Clever(ly)' by Skoda and it packs a lot of interesting yet practical bits which will appeal to a lot of buyers. Not to mention that the SUV looks and feels properly premium and is feature packed to make even the top shots feel embarrassed. To count a few, the Kodiaq has a powered tail-gate, top-view reversing camera, motorised driver’s seat with memory settings, three-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof. Though it’s been named after an Alaskan bear, the 180PS 2-litre petrol and the 150PS 2-litre turbodiesel engine will make it feel agile and sporty. Also, like the Audi Q7, the Kodiaq looks like an estate rather than an SUV, but its big and dimensions resemble those of the Hyundai Santa Fe. We drove the Kodiaq earlier this month. Check out our impressions in the link below. 

Skoda Kodiaq: First Drive Review

6. Tata Nexon

After being showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo in a near production-ready state, Tata went mum on the details and launch of the Nexon crossover. the sub-four metre SUV from Tata looked delicious with a curvy exterior,  big front grille, rising shoulder line and sloping roofline makes it look sporty and the mix of blue, black and white paint on the exteriors make it feel trendy. The interiors were also fully new with a floating display on the top of the dashboard, a neat centre console and a knob to switch drive between standard, Eco and Sport. The Tata Nexon is a serious contender in the sub-four metre SUV space and when launched in the first half of 2017 and could threaten the positions of the Vitara Brezza and EcoSport. Check it out in the link below.

Tata Nexon Compact SUV: Five things you need to know!

7. Jeep Compass

The all-new 2017 Jeep Compass was revealed this year and made headlines in the country for one simple fact - it will be manufactured across four international hubs, including India. This means that the American SUV will be available in the country at a price of around Rs 18-24 lakh. For this price, the Compass has a lot of heritage to offer. In India, the baby Jeep will most likely be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel motor, mated to a 6-speed manual and/or the 9-speed automatic transmissions. The Compass will not be available in a 2WD option but, will feature two different AWD modes. In terms of looks, the lines on the bonnet and the aggressive front bumper make it look like the Cherokee and the squared off wheel arches with the sloping roof line and a fat C-pillar give it a proper SUV attitude. To know more about the Jeep compass, click on the link below. 

Jeep Compass Makes Worldwide Debut