There is no denying that the entry-level compact sedan segment is one of the most competitive ones in India, and has proven to be quite successful for all the manufacturers competing in the segment. That is the reason why carmakers who are not present in this segment are readying their products for it. While, carmakers like Maruti, Hyundai, Honda and Tata already have cars in sub-4 metre sedan space, Ford and General Motors too are preparing their cars for the segment. Tata Motors, after receiving good response for the Zest, is working on yet another sub-compact sedan that will replace the ageing Indigo eCS. Here's a list of the affordable sub-compact sedans that will be launched in India next year.
Ford Figo Sedan
Showcased right ahead of the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo, the Figo sedan will enter India by mid 2015. The company has already brought the vehicle to India for R&D purpose and will soon start testing it here. The vehicle is already on sale in the Brazilian market as the KA+, though in Brazil it measures over 4 metres. The production version of the car looks largely similar to the Ford Figo Concept, but there are substantial changes on the headlamps and light clusters.
The Figo sedan is likely to get its power from a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. What might help the sedan become fuel efficient and good at handling is its lightweight, high tensile strength steel platform. Talking about its interior, the Figo sedan will share a great resemblance to the Figo hatchback. It might get few new-age features as well.
Expected Price - Rs. 4.8 lakh - Rs. 8 lakh
Chevrolet Beat sedan
Chevrolet India is planning to enter the fastest growing sub-compact sedan segment with a Beat-based sedan, codenamed MCM. The compact sedan will be based on the new-gen Beat's M300 platform. GM might position the sub-four meter sedan below the new Sail. With significant changes, especially at the front fascia, the new compact sedan will look more aggressive than the Beat.
The Beat-based sedan is likely to be available with a 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engine options. The 1.2-litre petrol engine will deliver a maximum power of 82bhp with 108Nm, while the 1.0-litre diesel motor will produce power of 74bhp with 190Nm. A five-speed gearbox will be on offer. That said, the company hasn't yet revealed any details about the engine options.
Expected Price - Rs. 4.5 lakh - Rs. 6.5 lakh
Tata Kite Sedan
Buoyed by the success of the Zest, Tata Motors is planning to bring in yet another sub-compact sedan in India, which will be positioned below the former. The new car will most likely replace the ageing Indigo eCS. The company has, in fact, started testing the car in India. Based on the Indica/Indigo platform, the new sedan will get an entirely new design and is expected to have a more up-market interior than the car it will replace. That said, it might share some features with the Bolt hatchback.
The Kite will derive its power from a new 1.05-litre, three-cylinder diesel engine and a 1.2-litre petrol engine. The oil burner will produce a maximum power output of 64bhp with 142Nm of torque. A five-speed manual gearbox will be coupled with both the engines; an AMT gearbox might also be on offer.
Expected Price: Rs 4 lakh - Rs 6 lakh
