The 2014 Delhi Auto Expo concluded a few weeks back and we were overwhelmed to see the amount of cars that are ready to make their onslaught in the Indian car market. We followed the psyche of the Indian car manufacturers and found out that the concentration this year was more on the compact sedan segment. The sub-4 Club, which had a few players a couple of years ago, will slowly but surely be populated by cars from companies like Ford, Tata, Hyundai and Maruti.
Here are a few gems which will be worth the wait for those looking to buy a car in the Rs 5-7 lakh quadrant.
Ford Figo Concept
We have a feeling that Ford knows exactly what it's doing this time around. It all began with the Figo (or the Model T as it's called at the Ford factory in Chennai) and since then, Ford has been very tactical in their approach when it comes to India. The EcoSport was a bold move but the new Fiesta didn't really make waves.
The Figo Concept however completely floors us. It just looks magnificient and Ford has promised that they will package it with the latest engines and the latest in technology. So expect it to get a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine with SYNC technology. With the Aston Martin-style hexagonal front grille, it looks absolutely majestic and we hope that Ford prices this one to perfection.
Hyundai Xcent
The Grand i10 continued the success that the i10 enjoyed when Hyundai brought it to India. Of course, Hyundai wanted to capitalize on this success and so a sub-4meter based on the Grand i10 - the Xcent. The Xcent is a Grand i10 with a boot but the designers at Hyundai have synchronized it very well, so it looks like a good package on the whole
Hyundai will price this one very competitively and this too will see features trickle down from the Grand i10. But what it promises is a lot of leg room and Hyundai will package it to the brim and do so smartly.
Tata Zest
Tata was the first car manufacturer to foray into the sub-4 club and if I might be so bold to say that it was Tata's who started this revolution. But it fell behind as the competition started to grow, but now with rejuvenated spirits, Tata Motors is coming back with the Zest.
The Zest is based on Tata's X1 platform and shares the underpinnings, chassis and framework of the Manza. The Zest does remind you of the Vista and the Manza but Tata promises that it is an all-new car. The Zest will come with Tata's next-gen technology, so expect a touch-screen display with navigation et al.
Fiat Avventura
Fiat has finally broken the silence after a long period. After having seen regular refreshes to the Linea and the Punto we will witness a new car in the making. Yes, Fiat is entering the most competitive segment out there with the Avventura compact SUV/crossover.
The Avventura is compact and from what we see rugged as well. Though it may look like a Punto on stilts, the Avventura is quite a good looking car and the interiors are similar to that of the new Linea. There is a lot more to be known about the car and Fiat promises that the car will be here in the 2nd half of this year.
Updated Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Maruti Suzuki will be updating the Dzire this year and we reckon that the new car will get some changes when it comes to its looks. The Dzire might get the new L-shaped LEDs, revised fog lamps and bumper with silver detailing.
There will be changes to the interiors as well. We expect the cabin to come with new blue and grey lined seat fabric, auto-up touch function for the front passenger's window, electronically adjustable side view mirrors, automatic headlamps and start-stop button. Maruti has had its fair share of success with the Dzire but now with the competition going abuzz, even they eat part of this pie.
