Top 8 Important Cars Launches Of 2018

The event-filled year is drawing to a close with a variety of important launches across every segment in India including the entry-level Hyundai Santro and the premium Audi Q5 SUV and many more. It is undeniable to say that some manufacturers have made a miracle with their products to break the shadow of other fierce enemies. The list big car launches of this year will be so long and here we conclude the 10 most important arrivals of the automotive industry in the country in 2018. It might not be your favourite, but we promise to deliver the most crucial information for you to make the best choice.

Hyundai Santro

Being the second largest automotive company in India, Hyundai Motors has a spectacular comeback into the Indian auto space with an all-new Hyundai Santro which becomes the most-awaited celebrated vehicle from the South Korean automaker. The iconic entry-level hatchback rolled out into the production line with a modern styling and features that make it a well-received model with more than 30k bookings after several months from its launch. Developed on the new platform, the 2018 Hyundai Santro invigorated and lived up the segment with a bunch of versatile new fitments.

The 2018 Hyundai Santro is among the most well-received models this year

The tall-boy is made available with a range of features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Mirrorlink and Bluetooth connectivity on offer. The dual-tone beige and black cabin, a 2.5-inch MID along with the segment-first rear AC vents are the pinnacles of the vehicle. In terms of safety techs, the new Hyundai Santro offers driver’s side airbags across its variants while the top-spec Asta trim gets a passenger side airbags a little later. It is also packed with ABS and EBD, driver’s seatbelt reminder and a standard fire extinguisher (on the CNG variant).

The premium interior captivates a great number of auto lovers in the country

The remarkable highlight of the new Hyundai Santro is under the hood. Offering the incredible driving performance, the Santro is packed with a 69 bhp, 1.1-litre, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that comes paired with an in-house developed 5-speed AMT gearbox. All the powertrain across its versions are fuel efficient with the mileage of 20.3 kmpl.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

The feat will not be perfect without the presence of the all-new Maruti Suzuki Swift. Witnessing comprehensive upgrades in design, mechanics and safety fitments, the new generation of Maruti Suzuki Swift is among the top well-received models in India in 2018. The Japanese carmaker developed the new Swift on the company’s new Heartect Platform providing a stable structure and superior strength and rigidity.

The all-new Maruti Suzuki Swift experienced major tweaks in technical and cosmetic design

Presenting a more stylish bold stance, the all-new Swift comes with an aggressive front grille, new LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, outside rear mirror and precision cut two-tone alloy wheels. The interior has been redesigned to suit the higher customer’s aspirations. The car provides a sporty-looking spacious cabin overhauling the comfort zone for drivers. The driver-oriented cockpit design with SmartPlay infotainment system, steering mounted audio control, auto gearshift, start/stop push-button, smart key and automatic climate control are the commendable equipment on the vehicle making it a luxury vehicle with the most affordable price tag.

The unmatched driving experience is transferred through the 1.2-litre VVT engine that churns out 82 bhp of max power and a 1.3-litre diesel option generating 72 bhp units. The seductive Swift’s powertrain helps the car outperform in every challenge encountered on every trip.

Ford Freestyle

The newest cross-hatchback Ford Freestyle hit the Indian by the second quarter of 2018. The Ford Freestyle debuted successfully as the Ford Ecosport sibling and becomes one of the most noteworthy launches in the market. Ford seems to make a right move with its Figo-based first crossover car packed with top-notch technological updates. Arriving in four variants including the Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium+, Ford Freestyle features a long list of high techs and impressive powertrain options.

Ford Freestyle is the next big launch of the American auto brand

With the presence of a dash-top touchscreen infotainment system available with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, traction control, automatic climate control, keyless entry with engine start/stop push-button, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, the Freestyle far exceeds your expectations with a reasonable price tag.

Powering the Ford Freestyle is an all-new 94 bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine borrowed from the Dragon series and an option of 99 bhp 1.5-litre diesel motor that are all mated to a 5-speed transmission as standard. Positioned at around Rs 5.09 Lakh to Rs 7.89 Lakh across its variants, the new-gen Ford Freestyle has achieved good sales performance in 2018 and expected to carry on the success next year.

The crossover-hatchback marked great sales indicators in the market

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

After scores of rumours, teasers and leaked images, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz came in reality with cosmetic changes and major tweaks inside the cabin. The Indian auto enthusiasts could have a commendable facelifted vehicle added on their choices. The car comes up with a new front and rear fascia including new front grille, the refreshed headlamps and tail lamps along with redesigned alloy wheels. The interior of the Ciaz gets a meticulous upgrade with all-new upholstery, revised wooden-inserted dashboard, new steering wheel with cruise control, fresh new instrument cluster combined with a colour multi-information display and “Suzuki Connect” telematics system.

Stylish design and practical handling are the most successful points of the all-new Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

The biggest change of the Ciaz facelift is under the bonnet with a 103 bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine (which takes place of the previous 1.4-litre motor option) and the tested 1.3-litre oil burner. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and an availability of a 4-speed automatic transmission on the petrol variants.

Honda Amaze

The new Honda Amaze is the big hit of Honda Motors in the Indian auto space

Another must-mention launch of 2018 is the new Honda Amaze. Experienced a major upgrade in terms of body structure, styling and features, the all-new Amaze is a giant athlete in the competition. Based on the new-gen platform with refreshed style and design, the Honda Amaze offers the company’s latest design language.

The all-new Amaze houses the same 89 bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine and 99 bhp 1.5-litre diesel motor option as compared to its predecessors. The car comes featured with both 5-speed manual gearbox and an optional 7-speed CVT automatic transmission which is the first-in-class fitment on its diesel version.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

It is not exacerbated to say that the arrival of Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift is among the most important event of the Indian automotive industry. Only available with a diesel option, the updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class stills preserves its renowned reputation with a host of attractive styling, more features and powerful performance. Standing out in the front fascia is the signature diamond-pattern grille of the A-class range. A set of new LED headlamps with LED DRLs, a pair of LED taillamps, smart ORVMs, newly redesigned alloy wheels and a new revived front bumper are fitted in the model.

It is not sufficient without the presence of Mercedes-Benz C-Class in India

The interior of the C-Class delivers the sense of opulence and modernity as usually in other products from the German luxury carmaker. A new 10.25-inch display and a fresh new telematics system are the technological culmination of the C-Class. Besides, it is also attached with an NGT 5.5 smartphone integration that creates an intensive connection between the driver, the vehicle and the roads.

Customers could enjoy the comfortable and opulent feelings while riding the 'beast'

The new generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class sources the power from a 2.0-litre that churns out two tunes of power encompassing 192 bhp and 241 bhp and 400 Nm of torque along with another 2.0-litre engine fitted on the 220d variant. The car is capable of accelerating from 0-100 kmph in 6.9 seconds.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

The home-grown carmaker has dropped another big launch in the marketplace with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. It’s appeared to be the most awaited and noticeable vehicle from the Japanese-owned manufacturer. The modern Indian buyers seem to be paid off after a long waiting period when the car was officially launched in the market. A number of cutting-edge technologies and awesome powertrain options are made available on the all-new Ertiga.

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is the most-awaited important arrival for the Indian enthusiasts

Based on the company’s Heartect platform, the 2018 Maruti Ertiga gets a lighter overall weight and a stronger and more rigid body structure. What’s more, the car holds a new exterior with a bold new front grille, projector headlights, new alloy wheels with sharp LED tail lights, etc. making the superior attractive aesthetical looking on the outside.

The success of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is largely contributed by a long list of advanced interior features including a touchscreen infotainment system connected with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, third-row seating, roof mounted AC vents, wooden-inserted dashboard and steering wheel.

Providing the premium looking on the inside and outside, the all-new Ertiga is also the benchmark of its segment in terms of performance. The model comes equipped with a 103 bhp 1.5-lite petrol engine along with an 89 bhp 1.3-litre diesel version which sends the power to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. The gasoline burner is also mated to an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

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Tata Tiago JTP

The hottest hatchback of the celebrated home-grown automaker, Tata Tiago JTP launched in India on October 26, 2018, at the starting price of Rs 6.39 Lakh (ex-showroom, India).  Retaining the best seller of 2018, the Tata Tiago JTP comes up with a 1.2-litre turbocharged Revotron petrol engine which produces 112 bhp and 150 Nm of torque. It comes coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission making the best cars on offer.

The Tata Tiago JTP perfects the list of the biggest car launches of 2018

Targeted the range of younger, dynamic and modern buyers, the all-new Tata Tiago JTP offers a more aggressive appearance with a bold sharp front bumper and wide lower grille. A dual chamber projector headlamps, roof spoiler, wider tyres and a 15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels are the strong points of the vehicle as well.

Apart from other top-notch interior features, the ConnectNext infotainment system by Harman’ mated to 8 speakers, voice commander and app suite enhances the versatility and convenience of the hatchback. The cabin offers the spacious comfort zone delivering the best driving experience for the Tiago JTP driver.

Flawless design and multi-functional interior fitments are the best selling points of the vehicle

What do you think about these abovementioned vehicles of 2018? Hope that the article could be of help make a good decision on buying your favourable car. Which vehicle attracts you the most? Just let us know about your dreamed car in the comment section.

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