New Car launches in May 2015

1.) Tata GenX Nano: Tata had taken the wraps off the GenX Nano at the 2014 Auto Expo and now it seems that the car is ready and slated for launch in May. Like the Nano Twist launched last year, this one too will come with a power steering. But over and above that, the GenX Nano will sport quite a few changes. While the overall silhouette remains the same, Tata has given the GenX Nano a redesigned front and rear bumper, blackened out headlights as well as new interiors. Unlike the Nano offerings in the market currently, the GenX Nano will also have an openable boot. The engine specifications of the new Nano will remain unchanged but it will now come mated to a 5-speed AMT as well. We expect Tata to launch the GenX Nano at Rs 2.7 lakh. 

2.) Volvo V40 hatchback: Following the launch of the petrol V40 Cross Country this month, Volvo India will also introduce the V40 hatchback to compete against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the BMW 1 Series. The V40 hatchback will be offered with Volvo’s new Drive-E unit that displaces 1,984cc and develops 152PS of peak power at 3750rpm and 320Nm of peak torque between 1750-3000rpm. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the V40 hatchback will be offered in two trims. While the top-end variant will come with all the bells and whistles, the lower variant will miss out on a few features to make it affordable. This will be Volvo’s cheapest offering and prices are expected to start from Rs 25 lakh. 

3.) Volvo XC90: Owing to popular demand, Volvo has preponed the launch of its flagship XC90 model to May. Including the V40 hatchback, this will be Volvo’s third car launch in two months. In India, the XC90 will be offered in two variants, the Momentum and the Inscription. Both these models can be distinguished thanks to a different headlight design. On the inside, the Volvo’s new flagship SUV sports elegant two-tone interiors with a 9-inch touch screen infotainment system. As far as features are concerned, it will come equipped with keyless entry, panoramic sunroof, electrically operated boot lid, rear camera and a navigation system. The top-end Inscription model will come with a longer list of features. The XC90 will be powered by the new D5 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel unit that is good for 228PS and 470Nm. This engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. In India, the Volvo XC90 will compete against the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and will be priced around Rs 65-70 lakh.  

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4.) Fiat 500 Abarth: Seems like the luxury hatchback segment is going to see a lot of new offering this year. With Mercedes-Benz already bringing in the A-and B-Class, and Volvo set to being in the refreshed V40 hatchback, Fiat too intends to join the bandwagon with launch of the Abarth 500 in May. The Abarth 500 is essentially a re-tuned sportier version of the Fiat 500. It comes equipped with a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol unit making either 137PS or 163PS depending on the state of tune that the customer selects. The Fiat 500 Abarth features the same retro modern interior that the Fiat 500 became so highly acclaimed for in 2008 when it was originally launched. The Fiat 500 Abarth should be launched in India at around Rs 25 lakh.