Zoom into the new year

It promises to be a year of amazing cars and bikes

P Tharyan and Joshua David Luther list the most exciting launches in 2017
 

New Chevrolet Cruze
 
General Motors India is determined to rock 2017 with new models like the Beat Activ and the Chevrolet Essentia. But all eyes would be on the new Chevrolet Cruze. GM has done away with the old design language and may also bring in the 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine. The new Cruze will get features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Launch: Late 2017

Price: Rs 13 lakh onwards
 

Maruti Suzuki Ignis
 
A compact SUV, the Ignis will take on the likes of Mahindra's KUV 1OO. The Ignis boasts of clean and clear lines with a boxy design. It will come mated to the 1.2L K-Series Suzuki engine as well as a 1.3L DDiS diesel engine.

Launch: January 2017

Price: Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh

 
Renault Kaptur
 
Following the success of the Duster, Renault plans to launch its Kaptur SUV in the Indian market. It will be positioned above the Duster and will take on Hyundai's Creta, Mahindra XUV and Tata Hexa. Renault might offer the Kaptur with a 1.6L petrol motor and a 1.5L diesel. It will also offer spacious interiors and features such as a touch-screen infotainment, ventilated seats, heated glass, keyless entry and is rumoured to even get a remote ignition function.

Launch: August 2017

Price: Rs 13 lakh onwards

 
New Land Rover Discovery
 
Apart from the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, JLR will be launching the new Discovery in 2017. The SUV is almost 480kgs lighter than the previous version — all because of the smart use of aluminum in its construction. The SUV will be quicker and more agile than before, featuring the company’s latest Terrain Response 2.0 system. Land Rover claims this to be one of its most capable off-roaders yet, which will also get an air suspension setup with 283mm ground clearance. Land Rover will be using the 2.0L Ingenium diesel engine to power the new Discovery. The company may also bring out a 2.0L twin turbo diesel that churns out 240hp and 3.0L petrol and diesel options.

Launch: Late 2017

Price: Rs 1.45 crore onwards

Tata Hexa

 
Tata Hexa
 
Tata Motors will be launching new models that include the Kite 5, based on the popular Tiago platform, and the Tata Nexon, a compact SUV. But the company will be betting big on the Hexa. For this SUV, the company has have drawn a lot from Jaguar Land Rover. The Hexa boasts of an appealing and boxy design, excellent fit and finish, aside from great build quality and a host of functional features. The Hexa will be powered by the 2.2L VARICOR 400 diesel engine and also gets an all-wheel-drive system.

Launch: January 2017

Price:Rs 11.7 lakh onwards
 
Others...
 

Honda WR-V
 
Honda is expected to bring out a Jazz-based crossover that goes by the name of WR-V. The crossover will compete with Fiat's Avventura, Hyundai's i20 Active and Toyota's Etios Cross. It features plastic body cladding all around with aggressive looking exteriors and roof rails. The WR-V, in all probability, will share its features and interiors with the Jazz, along with the same line-up for its powertrain.

Launch: Mid-2017

Price: Rs 8 lakh onward
 

Volvo XC90 Polestar
 
Volvo will soon be launching its exclusive XC90 Polestar in India. Polestar is the performance division of the Swedish manufacturer, which has managed to juice up the existing 2.0L petrol to turn 420 horses, giving the SUV a claimed 0-100kmph time of just 5.5 seconds. The existing XC90 already boasts exquisite interiors and some extremely functional features to add to comfort and convenience. The XC90 also features a plug-in hybrid technology, which, if available on the XC90 Polestar, will be able to deliver a very pocket-friendly and spirited ride.

Launch: October 2017

Price: Rs 1.2 crore onwards
  Report: Motown India; www.motownindia.com
 

Tork T6X
 
The entire motorcycle fraternity is looking forward to the Tork, an electric motorcycle that promises extreme speed. Tork recently unveiled India's first electric motorcycle, the T6X, which is powered by Lithium-Ion batteries. The electric bike is expected to hit Indian roads early in 2017 and has been priced at Rs 1.24 lakh. Powered by an electric motor, the T6X offers torque right from the word go, a cruising range of 100kms on a single charge and gets a cruising speed of 100kmph. The bike’s battery is capable of reaching 80 per cent charge in a single hour if plugged into a 15A source and is pitched as the ideal city commuter equivalent to a 200cc motorcycle.

Launch: Early 2017

Price: Rs 1.25 lakh
 

KTM 390 Duke

KTM 390 Duke
 
The bike gets an updated design that looks more edgy and aggressive. Combined with great looks is a colour TFT display with the option of pairing your mobile device via bluetooth for audio streaming and hands-free communication. The new Duke 390 will also get adjustable brake and clutch levers, but will come with the same engine options as before. The new version will also get a side-mounted exhaust.

Launch: April 2017

Price: Rs 2.3 lakh onwards

 
TVS Akula 310
 
First showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, the TVS Akula 310 concept is in line with the company's tie-up with BMW Motorrad's G310 R motorcycle. The Akula 310 will be a sports bike with lightweight materials for the sub frame, tank and fairing to give the motorcycle more agility and enhance its on-road performance. The concept version showcased USD forks, radial calipers, a cast alloy swing arm in the rear, dampers and a digital console.   

Launch: April 2017

Price: Rs 1.8 lakh
 

Honda Africa Twin
 
Honda will launch its adventure tourer, the Africa Twin, by the second quarter of 2017. The adventure tourer gets a 998cc, parallel twin, liquid-cooled engine that has been mated to a 6-speed gear box, with an exclusive 6-speed automatic dual clutch transmission also on offer. The adventure motorcycle will showcase features like an adjustable seat, tapered aluminum handlebars, rally windscreen, biaxial counter balance and semi-double cradle frame to equip its rider with utmost offroading capability.

Launch: Mid-2017

Price: Rs 13 lakh onwards

 
Yamaha MT-03
 
Yamaha may bring out the naked MT-03 motorcycle late in 2017. The bike will share most of its components with the present fully faired YFZ R3, but will be lighter and more affordable. The 321cc parallel twin engine on the R3 will make its way on the MT 03 putting out a neat 41.4hp. ABS is also rumoured to be offered on the MT 03 as standard fitment. The MT 03 will get an upright seating position and boast of excellent build quality.

Launch: Late 2017

Price: Rs 3 lakh onward
 
Others...
 

Triumph Bonneville Bobber
 
In typical low-rider fashion, Triumph will bring out its Bonneville Bobber to the Indian market in 2017. The Bonneville Bobber will share most of its components, including the engine, with the Bonne T120. However the Bobber will get a redesigned rear and a new rear suspension to give the iconic British motorcycle a more American, low-rider look. The hard tail rear will get a mono shock suspension for increased comfort, stability and performance.

Launch: August 2017

Price: Rs 9 lakh onwards
 
BMW G 310 GS 
 
While the much awaited BMW Motorrad G 310 R is expected to be launched in early 2017, an adventure tourer on the G 310 platform will make its way to India late in 2017. The bike will get the same single-cylinder 313cc engine on the G 310, but with a lot more kit to give it exceptional touring ability. The bike puts out a peak of 34bhp at 9500rpm and comes with equipment such as dual-channel ABS and panniers as standard fitment. Drawing most of its heritage from the GS series, the G 310 GS gets a windscreen and superb ergonomics blended into the design for comfortable touring.
Launch: December 2017
Price: Rs 3.4 lakh onward