Exclusive! New Cars for 2011

Nissan NV200 (Early 2011)
Nisan Motor Company, in a JV with Ashok Leyland, plans to enter the commercial and minivan market in India with the NV200. This model will primarily compete with the Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo and Tata Sumo. It will be powered by a version of the Renault Logan’s 1.5 DCI diesel engines (or K9K as Nissan calls it). The motor makes an increased 85bhp and this vehicle will use the greater efficiency of its car-like platform to position itself as the most efficient vehicle in its class. Nissan will also have to work hard to make the NV200 car-like enough to appeal to Innova users.

See Nissan NV200 images here


Porsche Boxster (End-2011)
Porsche’s popular roadster gets a new slightly extended platform to improve the car’s cabin and luggage space. While this increase in practicality is much needed, an increase in engine power will follow as well. It remains to be seen if the car’s fun twitchy ‘hips’ handling still remains. The car’s nose and tail section will also freshened.

See Porsche Boxster images here

Porsche 911 (Late 2011)
Codenamed 991, the heavily re-engineered coupé and cabriolet are set to go on sale in 2011. They will get freshened exterior styling, a higher-quality interior, more powerful yet highly fuel-efficient six-cylinder boxer engines, sharpened dynamics and a greater list of high-end options. There will be a 3.6-litre engine with 365bhp and 40.7kgm in the Carrera and it will be joined from the outset by a revised 3.8-litre powerplant delivering 415bhp in the Carrera S. Further variants will follow in time, including more powerful versions of the Turbo, GT3 and GT2.

See Porsche 911 images here

Renault Fluence (Mid-2011)
The Fluence is Renault’s fresh start in India. It is set to compete with the likes of the Corolla and is a bit bigger than a Laura or Jetta, but slightly smaller than a Passat. The Fluence’s front seats with generous amount of under-thigh support are supremely comfortable and can be manually adjusted in all directions. But short drivers might want a little bit more seat height adjust to clear the high-set dashboard. The back seats are one of the most comfortable with loads of legroom, great under-thigh support and a nice, upright sitting position. Neither the Laura nor the Corolla can match the Fluence for rear seat comfort. Equipment levels will be on par with the competition and will include gizmos like Keyless Start and Bluetooth connectivity to name a few. The Fluence is said to have a more powerful version of Logan’s 1.5-litre diesel dCi engine developing 105bhp.

See Renault Fluence images here

Renault Koleos (September 2011)
The Koleos SUV will be launched in India six months after the Fluence. Like the Fluence, it will be assembled from CKD kits and will take on cars like the Outlander, Santa Fe, Fortuner as well as the X-Trail. Renault will find it difficult to stand out in this bunch since there are some long-established players here.

See Renault Koleos images here

Skoda Laura RS (Mid-2011)
Skoda is resurrecting the vRS badge in India with the Laura vRS. But before you stand on your desk and scream with joy, know that the motor will be the same 1.8-litre TSI that the current Laura petrol has, which is still a brilliant source of power. What will be new is the tweaked suspension for sportier handling, wider tyres for better grip and that stunning vRS bodykit. You will also get the vRS sports seats and steering. Of course it will cost more — Rs 14 lakh. Enthusiasts, start rubbing your hands in glee, it will be here by early 2011. It promises much better handling and much more fun behind the wheels.

Skoda Octavia (November 2011)
Skoda is silently preparing a new Octavia for emerging markets like India. This new model is based on the Fabia and could share its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Vento saloon. It could get the rear suspension from the Golf platform and other bits too. It will not be a twin-door like the current Octavia but will only have conventional boot opening like the Vento to save costs. This will vastly help Skoda price the car very competitively.

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