The hot wheels of 2012

As many as 40 newcar models are being launched in the year ahead. Take a look at the the six that promise to turbo-charge a market sorely in need of more horse power.

MINI
The small car goes ultra-premium

The Mini is something of an icon, ever since it was developed by Sir Alec Issigonis in 1959. Forty years on, it was voted as the second most influential car of the 20th century, behind Ford's Model T. Acquired by BMW in 1994, the brand has metamorphosed into one of the world's most loved small cars. Its entry into India could launch a new category of ultra-premium small cars. The MINI will be available in a variety of styles - from coupe to convertible, and even a four-door version called 'Clubman'

Starting price: Rs 24 lakh

Text by Ranojoy Mukerji/Mail Today

NISSAN GT-R
The car that made Sachin sell his Ferrari

A true-blue sports car aimed at the extreme performance end of the market, the GT-R brings back the 'grand tourer' concept. Powered by a 3.8-litre, six-cylinder engine that produces a humongous 520bhp, this car has been tested by independent agencies to record a 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds with the launch control mode 'on'. The car already has a fan in Sachin Tendulkar, who sold his Ferrari to buy this one, but retained his old registration number: MH02 AD 9999. The GT-R, incidentally, is the first car for which the manufacturers took inputs from Polyphony Digital, creators of the Gran Turismo series of racing video games. The GT-R should be in the market soon after the Auto Expo.

Starting price:  Rs 1 crore

Text by Ranojoy Mukerji/Mail Today

VOLKSWAGEN UP!
Ready to jazz up economy segment

The up! is Volkswagen's chosen assault weapon aimed at the small car market. To be ready by mid-2012, the up!, its makers expect, will take on Maruti's ultra-successful Wagon R and Hyundai's i10. Beautifully finished inside out with funky design touches, the up! is expected to bring a premium feel in a segment known for its economy leanings. The up! will be powered by a number of petrol and diesel engines, and is expected to benefit from Volkswagen's TFSi technology.

Starting price:  Rs 4 lakh

Text by Ranojoy Mukerji/Mail Today

AUDI Q3
An SUV designed for the big city

In a country obsessed with SUVs, Audi is all set to roll out a new contender: the Q3. Smaller SUVs are also in great demand because paradoxically, most are driven in urban centres, rather than cross-country, as they were originally designed to do. This has led to a healthy demand for smaller SUVs, which while looking butch can easily be manoeuvred through our crowded cities. BMW introduced the X1 last year, but purists shunned it because it doesn't have a four-wheel drive - a must-have for men to claim bragging rights. The Q3 will come equipped with a 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engine.

Starting price: Rs 25 lakh

Text by Ranojoy Mukerji/Mail Today

MARUTI ERTIGA
MPV powered by new 1.4l petrol engine

This is Maruti's version of the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that will also mark the debut of its maker's new 1.4-litre petrol engine, codenamed K14 VVT. A 1.3-litre diesel version will also be available with the same Fiatsourced workhorse engine that does duty in a variety of Maruti cars, from the Ritz to the SX4. Maruti claims the Ertiga will open up a new segment, that of the mini-MPV, which according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), could account for around 9 per cent of the entire automotive market.

Starting price: Rs 6.99 lakh

Text by Ranojoy Mukerji/Mail Today

MERCEDES BENZ B-CLASS
In a league of its own

In a country obsessed with SUVs, Audi is all set to roll out a new contender: the Q3. Smaller SUVs are also in great demand because paradoxically, most are driven in urban centres, rather than cross-country, as they were originally designed to do. This has led to a healthy demand for smaller SUVs, which while looking butch can easily be manoeuvred through our crowded cities. BMW introduced the X1 last year, but purists shunned it because it doesn't have a four-wheel drive - a must-have for men to claim bragging rights. The Q3 will come equipped with a 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engine.

Starting price: Rs 19 lakh

Text by Ranojoy Mukerji/Mail Today