While this new year has plenty of new cars coming into the automobile scenario, a significant portion of the display at showrooms across India would be updates of existing models. Here's a list of the facelifted cars you can expect to see this year.
Tata Nano Twist Active
Since the day it made its first entry, Tata Motors has been consistently upgrading the Nano by continuing to launch new variants. This year the Nano would be strengthened with its most notable upgrade till now. Named as the Twist Active, this variant will have a mild styling upgrade along with improved interiors and a tailgate that opens to ensure enhanced practicality.
During the 2014 Auto Expo, Tata Motors had shown two new concepts based on the Nano, namely the tat Nano Twist Active and Tata Nano Twist F-Tronic Both the new models will be based on the existing platform and would continue to feature the twin-cylinder 624cc petrol motor producing 38PS of power at 5500rpm and 51Nm torque at 4000rpm. The Tata Nano Twist Active will sport a 4-speed manual gearbox, while the Tata Nano Twist f-Tronic will feature a 5-speed automatic transmission.It is expected that the Nano Twist Active would be the most affordable automatic car in the world.
Hyundai Verna 2015
The launch of the Hyundai Verna 2015 in India is likely to take place in the first quarter of 2015. The new model is based on the global Hyundai Solaris model, which brings about many new aesthetic changes to the car.
The update in Hyundai is much more required especially after the launch of two highly competitive cars in the segment which includes the new Honda City and the SX4 replacement by Maruti, the Maruti Ciaz sedan. The car would get many visual changes and will also get a new engine tuning. Hyundai is expected to retain the same engine displacements of 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol and diesel units, but with improved tuning for a better performance and economy as well.
Volkswagen Jetta 2015
The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, which is based on the sixth generation of VW's popular sedan, has got enough potential to shake up its segment.
For starters, the grille and headlamps appear like a single continuous element and has a new design for the foglights, while the new and wider air dam aims to improve aerodynamics. At the rear, it gets slimmer LED tail-lamps which are placed higher than before.
The upcoming model will get the same 1.8 litre TSI petrol and 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine options that are available on the current model. However, it is expected that the oil burner would be tweaked to produce a higher maximum power of around 145bhp.
Prices for the 2015 Jetta are expected to be slightly higher than that of the existing model. The new car could go on sale in India for a starting price of Rs 13.6 lakhs.
Honda CR-V 2015 Diesel Variant
The CR-V is a versatile, capable and comfortable SUV but it's biggest drawback was that it was powered only by a petrol motor. Honda would be launching a diesel variant with a 1.6 litre i-DTEC mill that is good for 118bhp and 31kgm of torque. The diesel CR-V will be available in front-wheel-drive only and is expected to offer best-in-class fuel efficiency. To make it more appealing to buyers, Honda will give the CR-V a styling upgrade including a few tweaks to the bumpers, grille and lights and it might even get some additional equipment. The CR-V facelift is likely to be priced from Rs 24-27 lakh.