Top-end cars drive into India

Nine global car launches, led by the much-anticipated compact SUV, Ford EcoSport, will be the standout feature of this year's edition of India's biggest automotive show, Auto Expo 2012. As Delhi gets into top gear for Auto Expo 2012, here is a sneak preview of the top-end car launches.

KORANDO

Now that Mahindra has taken over SsangYong, the Korando will be the first of the Korean company's SUVs to be rolled out in India. It is similar to Chevy's Captiva and Toyota's Fortuner, and its competition will be Hyundai's Santa Fe and Renault's Koleos. What gives it weight is the reasonably powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine.

Price: Rs 24 lakh

Full coverage: Auto Expo 2012

MERCEDES M-CLASS

It was the M-Class that started the sport utility vehicle rage around the world, so knowing fully well that it has a reputation to protect, Mercedes left nothing to chance when it went about modernising its old workhorse. It's been thoroughly revised inside as well as outside, and its LED headlights promise to be head-turners.

Price: Rs 64 lakh

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AUDI S-LINE

This is the performance edition of the A-Line, and you'll see it in many forms, starting from the S4 and going up to the S8. Their key differentiator is much more aggressive styling and powerful engines, marrying sportier performance with in-your-face styling. These cars won't come cheap. The price stated here is for the base S4 model.

Price: Rs 40 lakh

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NEW PORSCHE 911

The new version of New Porsche 911 is longer and stronger, and its 3.6-litre engine releases 345bhp of raw power, so it needs a skilled driver to handle it. The 911 is being showcased at Auto Expo after its launch at Frankfurt last October. Look out for its special features, especially the use of carbon fibre to make it lightweight but stronger.

Price: Rs 1 crore

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MINI

Normally, small cars with large price tags cannot be expected to do well, but the very retro and very cool MINI making its debut in India has its dedicated band of followers. The Cooper hatchback will be followed by the coupe, convertible, and even the four-door Clubman model. BMW is looking at assembling the cars at its Chennai facility to keep the costs lower than VW's Beetle.

Price: Rs 20 lakh

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PAJERO SPORT

Styled more as a suburban commuter than an off-roader, the Pajero Sport comes with a 3.2-litre common rail diesel motor, which endows it with an enviable performance capacity. In this new avatar of the old Pajero, you'll find awesome 4x4 capabilities that will help you speed off the beaten track.

Price: Rs 24 lakh

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BMW M5

This performance version of the 5-Series saloon comes with a smaller 4.4-litre V8 engine, now that BMW has banished the ferocious 5.0-litre V10 that used to deliver 500bhp at an insane 7,750rpm. The M5 interior will be swathed with high-end leather to keep your derriere happy. The car packs every gadget BMW has to offer, starting with active and adaptive headlights.

Price: Rs 1 crore

Full coverage: Auto Expo 2012

MERCEDES B-CLASS

It looks partly a hatchback and partly a station wagon, but the new B Class stands out because of certain cost reduction technologies that translate into cheaper cars. The interiors are classy, with elements borrowed from larger saloons and sports cars, but the prices are approachable, which will make people see the good old Merc in a new light.

Price: Rs 18 lakh

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AUDI Q3

Audi's baby SUV is all set for its India debut - and to take on BMW's hugely popular X1. The Q3's diesel variant uses the acclaimed 2.0 TDi engine and the 1.8 TSi for its petrol version. It'll come loaded with all manner of goodies, including air suspension in the upper models.

Price: Rs 24 lakh

Full coverage: Auto Expo 2012