The beginning of the year 2014 witnessed the unwrapping of various sensational cars at the 2014 Auto Expo. Most of the cars unveiled at the Auto Expo, including a long list of B+ segment hatches, are reported to be launched within 2014. The B+ segment in India secures a large share in total automobile sales, therefore frequent arrival of the face-lifts and next generation is highly important. This year cars like Skoda Fabia, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, Ford Figo and Fiat Punto are anticipated to receive face-lifts.
Recently, the Czech Republican car maker, Skoda affirmed that they will introduce next-generation Skoda Fabia this year. The third-generation of this hatchback is said to receive radical changes. Earlier in 2008 the company launched the second generation of Fabia in India and it is the apt time to update company?s entry level car when it is craving for its face-lift. The new Fabia will get company’s latest logo, simple but fresh posture and edges across its profiles. The 1.2L TDI mill of current Fabia is said to be replaced by a new 1.5L TDI engine that will produce 89bhp of peak power; this is the new engine that will be coming in the updated VW Polo. Moreover, the petrol line-up might be powered by the 1.2L TSI motor from VW GT TSI. In addition, the new Fabia is speculated to get two transmission options – Dual-Clutch DSG AT Box and a Five speed manual transmission option.
The next generation Ford Figo will get new grille that makes it look like Aston Martin cars.
Besides, the American car maker in India, Ford is also looking forward to introduce next generation Ford Figo by 2014 end. The revamped Figo is said to get an all new 1.0L ECOnetic power-train that incorporates Dual-command TiVCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing). Added to this, the petrol motor will also be capable to produce maximum power of around 85bhp at 6500 rpm. The next generation Figo will be entirely different from what it looks at present. It will get new grille that makes it look like Aston Martin cars. Moreover, new DRLs, fresh headlights, unique bumpers and stylish alloy wheels are sure to delight the enthusiasts.
Similarly, India?s largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki is also looking forward to launch the refurbished Swift this year. The company has launched this car already in Japan and some parts of Europe and anticipations are that on the domestic shores this car will be launched by second half of 2014. The structure of new Swift will be somewhat similar to its current version and it will get new L-shaped LED daytime running lights, LED treatment in roof mounted stop lights, new bumper and new fog lights. It is also anticipated that the new Swift may also come with an additional colour option ?Boost blue pearl metallic?. The interiors are said to remain unchanged but new upholstery is expected to be introduced. The Swift 2014 may feature auto-up one touch function to the driver?s side power window, power adjustable side mirrors and automatic headlights. Under the hood, the revamped Swift is said to carry the same 1.2L petrol and 1.3L Multi-jet diesel mills.
Country?s second largest car maker, Hyundai Motors is also looking forward to launch the second generation of its premium B+ Segment car, the i20. Anticipations are that the nex-gen i20 will hit the domestic markets by 2014 end. The new i20 seems to be bigger than its current version and at the front it may get the hexagonal grille and angular swept black headlights. Even the tail lamps may receive changes and boomerang shaped with LED insertion can catch the attention. Interiors have also been revised and dashboard is smartly tuned with features like automatic climate control and a TFT screen. Mechanically, the car is said to remain unchanged and the same 1.2L petrol and 1.4L diesel engines will continue.
The Punto, an impeccable beauty from popular Italian car maker, Fiat is also going to come in its revamped avatar this year. The car gets Maserati esque designing that makes it look more premium. It will also host set of new headlights, new bumper and new fog lamp surrounds. Besides, the car is also tweaked smartly inside and the interiors get entirely new dashboard and steering wheel and newer seats. In terms of features it is said to continue with its impressive features like Bluetooth telephony, USB and AUX-IN support etc. The new Punto will get advanced features like automatic wipers and automatic headlamps.
Furthermore, other B+ segment cars like Tata Bolt and New Honda Jazz will also be introduced in India by this year end. With so many new B+ segment arrivals, the competition is going to get stiffer in 2014. The entire B-segment line-up of the Indian automobile industry will now have fresh products to impress the buyers.
