The interiors of the Q5 are reminiscent of the A4 and it doesn’t feel much bigger on the road either, but clever packaging helps it offer maximum passenger space. There would be a good amount of kit on offer and at a price that will be substantially lower then the arch rival X3.

The most exciting Audi yet, the R8 promises to take on the legendary Porsche 911. It looks beautiful and comes with very high quality interiors too. Owners will also appreciate the long feature list.

BMW is giving the 3 Series a new face. There are 2500 changes in the new car even though its just a face lift. Upfront, there is a new interpretation of a classic kidney grill along with bold new head lamps that include LED indicators and BMW’s signature corona rings as well as an edgy new bumper. The rear has also been reworked, with redesigned LED tail lamps combined with a re- profiled bumper to introduce a fresh new look.

BMW’s answer to the S class has just got in better and will be here soon. The 7 Series has always played the dual role of limo and sporting saloon and the new car is no exception. The 7 Series interiors are vastly more stream- lined, and sport an elegant dash board, which oozes quality. India will get 750Li, 730d and 740i in that order.

One of the fastest 4 door saloons, this car receives a more upright grill, larger lower air intakes and a new rear bumper. The Bentley also gets 10mm chopped off its ride height, new 20” multi- spoke wheels, and retuned steering and suspension systems. Changes to the exteriors include dark tinted chrome grills, sill plates emblazing with ‘Speed’ on all 4 doors. With this new speed model the Bentley continental flying spur speed should have no trouble holding on to its title of world’s best selling 12- cylinder saloon.

The Chevrolet Cruze is GM’s new offering in the saloon segment and company executives have hailed it as “the most important car in our history”. Style wise GM likes to call it a 4 seat coupe. The interiors are truly inviting with an overriding double cockpit theme which almost makes the driver and front passenger feel as if they are seated in their own “pods”. A unique touch is the fabric inserts on the fascia, colour coordinated to match the seats. The Cruze will goon sale world wide early next year and Chevy will be keen to launch it in India as soon as possible.

The Captiva has been doing rather well in the soft- roader segment which is really no surprise thanks to its diesel power plant. Now Chevy is adding some more ammo by adding an automatic option and other highlights include a 3rd row of seats unlike its rivals.

The Aveo has been given a facelift in the international market. The lights, grills and bumpers are all new and even the interiors have been freshened up. The new look is expected in India by end 2008 or early 2009.

Chevrolet has made the Spark a lot more value for money with the recent price cuts. The Spark will be available with a 796cc 3 cylinder engine and estimated to be priced Rs. 20,000/- cheaper than the current Spark. This one promises to be one of the cheapest cars in the market.

The Fiat Linea is all set to keep duct in the Indian mid size segment. The large and comfy saloon will be powered by the 1.4 litre Multi-jet motor which powers the swift and a 1.4 litre petrol. The Linea will set new benchmarks in terms built, quality and space and will take on the SX4 and City.

This gorgeous looking hatch is spacious and comfortable and will be powered by a petrol and the same Multi-jet 1.3 diesel doing duty in the Swift, Indica and Palio.

The Fiat Bravo with its Rs. 20 lakh plus price tag will be the most expensive hatchback in India. The Bravo is big and comfortable and has top notch interiors.

The Ford Ikon will be in showrooms again with a facelift, a slight interior upgrade and a modern diesel engine. The exciting news is that it will come with the 1.4 litre Duratorq engine from the Fiesta.

Its been a long time coming but it looks like Honda is finally bring the Jazz in. Powered by the same 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine, from the new City, Honda might also sell the car with a 1.2 litre engine to help it meet the Indian small car norms.

The Accord is returning to India with more power as Honda has used Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology in the car. This works by using 2 or 3 cylinders when you are cruising (to save fuel) and running on all 6 cylinders when you demand power. The 148bhp diesel engine will be Hondas first diesel car in India.

The i20 will be built in India at Hyundai’s Chennai plant. Styled like all of Hyundai’s new “i” cars, this car too has the bold chrome strip above the grill, the striking head lamps and the stacked tail lamps. Hyundai has been rather generous with the equipment level on the i20. Expect top end versions to have climate control, CD/MP3 audio, steering-mounted audio controls, remote-locking and electronically operated outside mirrors. There is a lot of safety kit too, like 6 air bags, active headrests, electronic stability program (ESP), and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). Hyundai claims the i20 was hot-weather tested in Spain, cold-weather tested in Sweden and high-speed tested in Germany, so it shouldn’t have problems handing India roads. Hyundai is offering 7 engine options for the i20 in Europe, 2 of which could make it to India.

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Expected- November 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 2.5 crore
Engine- 5205cc petrol
Power/ Torque- 552bhp/55kgm
The LP stands for Longitudinal Posterior, which denotes and the placement and position of the engine. The 560 is for the 560PS (552bhp) of power that the engine makes yp 40bhp from the old Gallardo. The ‘4’ stands for four-wheel drive. According to Lamborghini the new firing order also makes the car more drivable. Other changes include a new rear diffuser, a rethought suspension, a completely revamped four-wheel-drive system and a brand new gearbox. Every inch a Lamborghini and the best Gallardo to date.

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Expected- Early2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 5.2- 7.8lakh
Engine- 1390cc/1598cc petrol, 1461cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 75bhp/11.2kgm, 85bhp/13.04kgm, 65bhp/16.3kgm

The face-lifted Logan is on its way. Changes to the design include a wider, more imposing grille, a more aggressive bumper design and new tail-lamps and a small lip on the edge of the boot. The face-lifted Logan will also get ABS with EBD and an adjustable steering column.

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Expected- December 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 6.5-8 lakh
Engine- 2609cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 105bhp/28.3kgm

The Ingenio is Mahindra and Mahindra’s Innova challenger and has a lot going for it. It will be powered by a version of the Scorpio’s .6-litre CRDe powerplant with slightly more than 100bhp, compared to the Scorpio’s 116bhp.

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Expected- November 2008
Estimated Price- Rs. 3-4 lakh
Engine- 1 litre petrol
Power/ Torque- 68bhp/9.1kgm

Built on a completely new platform, the A-star is slightly longer, wider and taller than the Alto. Considerable thought seems to have gone into the design and fel of the interiors. The A-Star will get Suzuki’s latest K-series engine. It is a 996cc, three-cylinder all-aluminium engine that develops 68bhp and 9.1 kgm of torque (in Europe), substantially more than the current Alto. Designed to meet the latest global standards – the European version gets ESP and six air-bags, India won’t get as much, but we will get the safer, more rigid new chassis that will improve crashworthiness.

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Expected- Early 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 4-5 lakh
Engine- 1242cc petrol, 1248cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque - 86bhp/11.4kgm, 75bhp/19.37kgm.

Joining Maruti’s smart and young model line-up is the Suzuki Splash. Designed to be a family hatch, it’s smart design clothes a very practical and spacious interior. There is also a diesel version in the pipeline – the same multi-jet as in the Swift.

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Expected- May 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 2.8 lakh
Engine- 796cc petrol
Power/ Torque- 35bhp/6.1kgm

The Omni gets its scheduled nip and tuck. Cosmetic changes include the headlights, bumpers and tail-lights which get a makeover.

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Expected- End 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 9 lakh
Engine- 1248cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 90bhp/20.3kgm

A diesel SX4 could corner the upper mid-size segment. This engine borrowed from the Linea, produces more power thanks to a Variable Geometry Turbocharger.

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Expected- Mid 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 11-13 lakh
Engine- 1998cc petrol, 1968cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 152bhp/19.9kgm, 138bhp/31.5kgm

The new Lancer promises to be all that you’ve been waiting for. With the sharp nose and taut flanks this car should appeal to the young at heart.

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Expected- December 2008
Estimated Price- Rs. 9-10 lakh
Engine- 1999cc petrol
Power/ Torque- 115bhp/17.8kgm

Mitsubishi has tweaked the Cedia in a bid to keep it fresh. The front grille gets a chrome garnish while the interiors get a 2-DIN infotainment system. The refreshed Cedia will also get climate control. The ‘Sport’ version gets a Momo steering wheel and OZ racing alloys.

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Expected- Early 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 23 lakh
Engine- 1995cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 150bhp/32.6kgm

The X-Trail is a competent product with a strong all-round appeal. The X-Trail’s $WD system is electronically activated and comes with differential locks. The calling card of the new X-Trail will be its 2.0-litre common rail diesel engine.

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Expected- Early 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 25 lakh
Engine- 2349cc V6 petrol
Power/ Torque- 170bhp/22.9kgm

The Teana aims to be a stylish and comfortable car with its impressive length hard to miss. The design is unconventional with large peeled-back headlights and wraparound tail-lights. A new four-cylinder motor will complement the creamy V6 powerplant.

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Expected- End 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 60-80 lakh
Engine- NA
Power/ Torque- NA

The Porsche Panamera is a true four-seater and is also the first front-engined Porsche, discounting the Cayenne of course. Engine options are said to include Cayenne-derived V8’s with the possibility of a cheaper V6 version as well.

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Expected- End 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 4-5 lakh
Engine- 1461cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 65bhp/16.3kgm

The Sandero will be Renault’s low cost offering fro India. The Sandero shares its basic architecture with the Logan and the resemblance notably the sides are hard to miss. Renault plans to highlight space and comfort to appeal to Indian buyers.

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Expected- End 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 12-14 lakh
Engine- 1461cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 105bhp/24.4kgm

The third-generation Megane has that design flair that one associates with all things French. While the Megane essentially is marketed as a mid-size car, India will get the yet-to-be –launched salon. It has oodles of flair, especially its interiors and is a head-turner from almost any angle. It will be produced at Renault’s new facility outside Chennai and will feature substantial localised content.

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Expected- End 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 49.5 – 56.6 lakh
Engine- NA
Power/ Torque- NA

The Mercedes brand is moving towards a new,edgier design philosophy and the new ‘E’ will feature the same line-up of engines with the possibility of a new 2.2 litre, four cylinder, twin turbo diesel being introduced here.

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Expected- Mid 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 85 lakh
Engine- 5461cc petrol, 2987cc/3996cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 388bhp/54kgm, 224bhp/51kgm, 306bhp/72kgm

Five metres long and seven seats. Sounds like the Audi Q7? Mercedes wants to gate-crash Audi’s Q7 party with the massive GL. We reckon that the bestseller will be the 320CDi diesel.

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Expected- March2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 20 lakh
Engine- 1968cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 172bhp/35.66kgm

The new Superb truly lives up to its name if the early verdict is to be believed. Targeted at the self-made unassuming business man who wants a luxury car but does not see the need to splash out on a premium brand, the car should work well in India’s price-conscious market. The car’s interiors boast huge space and comfort, but it also has a nifty boot, one can either open just the trunk lid, or the rear window and boot lid together if large items need to be stowed away.

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Expected- Early 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 8-9  lakh
Engine- 1896cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 105bhp/24.4kgm

Skoda is intent on positioning the Fabia as a premium compact and a bigger engine is one way of justifying the premium price-tag.

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Expected- Mid 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 7-9.5 lakh
Engine- 1896cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 105bhp/25.5kgm

This estate version builds on the already strong appeal of the Faia hatch and promises to offer class leading space and comfort.

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Expected- Mid 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 15-19 lakh
Engine- 1896cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 105bhp/25.5kgm

The new Laura is a prettier version of n otherwise very staid design. The grille and front bumper are subtly re-styled and when viewed in profile, the new Laura looks softer and more swooped back. The 1.9-litre TDi motor will soldier on, but a new petrol motor is expected. This could be either a 1.8-litre TSI unit producing 160bhp or a 200BHP TFSI.

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Expected- End 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 11-15 lakh
Engine- 1390cc petrol, 1422cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 120bhp/20.4kgm, 68bhp/15.8kgm

The Octavia (Mk-1) is Skoda’s most popular offering in India. To ensure that it continues to appeal to new buyers, Skoda is going to give the Octavia some nips and tucks but that’s not all. Buyers will now get a choice between two engines – a 1.4-litre three cylinder diesel, similar to the one in the Fabia and a new 1.4-litre TSI petrol.

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Expected- Mid 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 9-10 lakh
Engine- 2179cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 140bhp/32.6kgm

The Indicruz based on the Xover concept is a people-carrier based on the existing Safari platform and uses the same 2.2.litre DiCOR motor.

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Expected- March 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 5.6.5 lakh
Engine- 1248cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 75bhp/19.37kgm

The new Indigo will be based on the Vista platform but the trump card will be the Fiat-derived diesel engine which produces 90bhp. Interior room and comfort will be class-leading, with a particularly strong focus on rear seat comfort. There will also be a petrol-engined option, powered by a 1.4-litre, 77bhp motor sourced from Fiat.

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Expected- February2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 6-7 lakh
Engine- 2179cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 140bhp/32.6kgm

The Xenon isa pick-up truck positioned as a lifestyle vehicle. It will be powered by the 2.2-litre DiCOR engine as seen in the Safari.

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Expected- January 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 1-1.6 lakh
Engine- 624cc petrol
Power/ Torque- 33bhp/4.89kgm

The most-eagerly awaited car by some margin, the revolutionary little Nano will roll down Indian streets next year. While the basic version will have no-frills, Tata will offer the option of customising cars with everything from power-steering and leather seats to body kits and alloy wheels at a higher price.

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Expected- December 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 9.4 – 13.5 lakh
Engine- 2494cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 102bhp/20.4kgm

Big but no so beautiful, the Innova has nevertheless created a niche for itself and is taking the game forward with a face-lifted variant. So you get a chrome grille, new fog lamps and clear-lens head lamps. On the inside, climate control and steering-wheel mounted audio controls plus an in-dash CD changer add to its appeal.

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Expected- June 2009
Estimated Price- Rs. 18 lakh
Engine- 2982cc turbo-diesel
Power/ Torque- 163bhp/35kgm

Built on an iteration of the Innova’s platform, the Fortuner is already a big hit in other Asian markets. The car will roll into India mid 2009, its closest rival being the Ford Endevour Thunder+ but it will also give the Honda CR-V and Chevy Captiva a few headaches. The Fortuner has a 3.0-litre diesel engine with 163 horses and four-wheel-drive.