New cars for 2016: Upcoming Sedans

Also read: A complete guide to new car launches in India

The new Elantra, Jaguar XF and the next-gen E-Class are some of the sedans coming to India in the near feature.  Check out the complete list. 

New Audi A4

It may not immediately look it, but this is the all-new Audi A4. Look closely and you’ll note sharper styling that’s in line with Audi’s crisp new design language. Interestingly, the new A4 is lighter than the model it replaces, despite being larger than it. As with all new Audis, the A4’s tech-loaded interior is the talking point. The cabin looks cutting edge but it will be interesting to see if Audi launches the A4 with the ‘virtual cockpit’ high-res digital instrument’s display in India. The new Audi A4 will come only with a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine initially.

New Honda Accord Hybrid

After a brief absence, Honda will bring the Accord back to India as the ninth-generation model. Its strengths of solid mechanicals, strong performance and reliability remain, only now there’s more tech and space on the inside too. Honda will be bringing the Accord to India only as a hybrid with a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor. 

New Volkswagen Passat

The last Passat, though incredibly capable, proved too expensive for the badge it wore, and was discontinued. Oddly enough, the new car will be even more expensive when it launches next year, but it will also pack in loads more luxury. The eighth-gen Passat is bigger, more luxurious, more stylish and more capable. Expected in India with a 187bhp, 2.0-litre diesel unit, married to a six-speed DSG gearbox, VW shall once again pit the Passat against fancier-badged luxury rivals. Truth be told, it could give any of them a run for their money. VW is also considering to launch the Passat GTE plug-in hybrid as well.

Coming: 2016
Est price: Rs 30-35 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 D, 1.4 P + electric motor
Rivals: Skoda Superb, Audi A4, BMW 3-series

New Jaguar XF

While the current XF is really showing its age now, the new one promises a tough challenge to Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.  The second-generation XF is roomier, lighter and more frugal than its predecessor. It is also far more technologically advanced than the earlier car. Inside, the XF features a far more contemporary design language. It comes with a 10.2-inch ‘dual-view’ touchscreen and JLR’s latest multimedia system, known as InControl Touch Pro. A 50:50 weight distribution allows the XF to be more driver-focussed without sacrificing comfort and ride quality. Jaguar will use the XE’s 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol motors, both mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. There is also a tweaked version of  the familiar twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel, now offering a solid 296bhp. Topping the range for now is the F-Type’s 375bhp supercharged V6, but a V8-powered XFR can’t be too far down the line.

Coming: September 2016
Est price: Rs 50-60 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 P, 3.0 P, 2.0 D, 3.0 D
Rivals: BMW 5-series, Mercedes-Benz E-class, Audi A6

New Jaguar XF 2.0 diesel review

New Mercedes-Benz E-class
It’s usually the flagship S-class that spearheads Mercedes’ new tech, but this time, the smaller E-class is packing a host of new stuff too. Automatic evasive steering and automated parking are expected to be just a small part of the package. Sharing its Modular Rear -drive Architecture (MRA) underpinnings with the C-class, the new E-class is lighter than the outgoing model, and borrows heavily in terms of styling from that car and the bigger S-class. Today’s engines will continue, but will later be replaced by more advanced new engines. Mercedes has also confirmed a more luxurious long-wheelbase model for India.

Coming: 2017
Est price: Rs 50-60 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 P, 2.1 D, 3.0 D
Rivals: BMW 5-series, Audi A6

2016 Mercedes E-class review

Mercedes CLA facelift with AMG
Except for the front bumper and lights, styling changes on the CLA facelift will be minimal. Bigger changes, like the A-class facelift, are under the skin in the form of better interiors, more frugal engines and more tech. The top-of-the-line AMG CLA 45’s 355bhp output, already one of the most powerful for a four-cylinder car, is now up to a manic 376bhp.The CLA, like all new Mercs, will receive a new badging style for diesel models. 

Coming: Diwali 2016
Est price: Rs 32-37 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 P, 2.1 D
Rivals: Audi A3

Skoda Octavia RS

We’ve had RS versions of the Octavia and Laura in India, but the latest one is proving difficult for Skoda. The company is working hard to bring the new Octavia RS to India at a competitive price, but the new 2.0-litre TSI engine that punches out a stonking 217bhp will be quite expensive to bring here.
At an expected price of around Rs 30 lakh, the new Octavia RS will definitely be restricted to a more exclusive set of buyers than before, but for the real enthusiasts, that might be a price worth paying.

Coming: 2017
Est price: Rs 30 lakh
Engine(s): 2.0 P
Rivals: Audi A3

New Toyota Etios

The Toyota Etios hatch and sedan will flaunt an all-new look next year. The cars have been around for five years now and haven’t taken the market by storm, their dull looks being a big deterrent. The new Etioses will get styling updates and more equipment inside out. However, it will remain unchanged mechanically.

Est price: Rs 6-9 lakh
Engine(s): 1.2 P, 1.5 P, 1.4 D
Rivals: Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze

Also read 
New cars for 2016: Hatchbacks
New cars for 2016: SUVs and MPVs