Honda’s ‘New Small Concept’

Code-named 2CV, the Honda NSC will be a simple Honda with no fuss. However, don’t let that fool you to think it won’t be attractive or lack personality. As per reports in the media, the Honda NSC will come sooner than expected in 2011. It could have a 1.2 litre engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission like most of the small cars in India. As per the Auto Expo concept, Honda has designed the car with plenty of ancestral chromosomes. Silky smooth refinement, ease of driving, and refrigerator like reliability are the traits of every modern Honda. Will the 2CV have them too at an asking price of 5 lakh rupees? You bet!

Toyota’s Etios

The Etios twins arguably generated the most buzz at the Auto Expo this year. Many grumbled the design of the sedan was pretty basic and straightforward – belonging to the early 90s. But, tell me, apart from the Fortuner and the Land Cruiser, how many Toyotas in India have depended on looks to appeal to customers?

It is the quality and reliability of the Toyota models in India that has scripted its success, and the Etios vows to continue that legacy. The hatchback could be priced at around 4.5 lakh rupees and the sedan could set you back by 6 lakhs. The hatchback is powered by a 1.2 litre engine and the sedan makes use of a more powerful 1.5 litre engine. No diesel as of yet, but Toyota is quietly working on it for the future. Rumour has it that Toyota is also working on a 7-seat MPV on the same platform for a 2012 release that’ll play the Innova’s younger brother.

VW Polo sedan

Designed to spread fear and induce nightmares to the competition, the VW Polo sedan is already being tested in India for an early 2011 release. The Polo sedan will be an international model – indicating that it’ll sell in many other countries, such as Russia in this case. Expected starting price is about 6.5 lakh rupees for the petrol engine, which will displace 1.4 litres. Plus, a 1.6 litre model will be better equipped. The Polo sedan won’t merely be a boot stuck to the back of the hatch. It will have an extended wheelbase – improving rear seat comfort. The Polo sedan will also have more up-market furniture and incorporate all the gadgets missing in the cheaper hatchback. VW is planning to name it after a wind (typhoon, hurricane and so on). It surely is going to kick up a massive storm.

Chevrolet Aveo (new gen)

The Chevrolet Aveo is a fashionable little sedan which hasn’t performed to its fullest potential, thanks to the absence of a diesel engine. With the entry of the next generation Aveo in the first quarter of 2011, that is set to change. Expected to arrive with a 1.3 litre common-rail diesel engine with turbocharging, the new Aveo will profit from the design language of the Chevrolet Beat, as both ride on the same architecture. The C-Pillar mounted door handle, motorcycle-inspired independent instrument cluster, and a futuristic cockpit will feature on the new Aveo as well. Much of the new Aveo will be locally manufactured, so prices are expected to be very aggressive. The new Aveo could also come with an automatic transmission, which is a boon for those looking for extra comfort on a tighter budget.

Hyundai small car

What if the Alto is outdated for you, and the Santro is a touch too expensive? The Tata Nano is the right car for you, but sadly there isn’t one in a showroom that you or me could buy any time soon. Enter the Hyundai compact car. Speculated to journey into the Indian market in the first quarter of 2011, the Hyundai small car will be less expensive than the Santro – meaning prices can start at 2 lakh rupees. Design of this model has been carried out together by Indian and Korean engineers, who we’re told have amalgamated many styling cues from the Santro and i10 into this baby Hyundai. Powered by an 800cc engine producing around 50hp, the light-weight Hyundai should be nippy to drive. A 5-speed manual transmission is obvious, and so is a compact diesel engine in the future.