Cars To Be Launched in 2008

Here's a preview of what to expect on the Indian roads in 2008 - a few of the to-be-launched cars, which you may have a glimpse of at the Auto Expo '08 at New Delhi.

New Delhi: Starting off the year with the Auto Expo 2008 in January at New Delhi, the year promises to be a highly 'automotive' one, with the rubber set to meet the road, after being outfitted on almost 60 new models.

From the frugal to the almost – unaffordable, an entire range of four wheels from hatchbacks to green-tech hybrids to the adrenalin-pumping super premium luxury models, India is going to see action in its automotive sector like never before.

So, just what is going to be launched this year?

For a somewhat exhaustive list, see below.

• Small car: Suzuki Splash, Suzuki A-Star concept, Tata's 1-lakh car.
• Premium hatchbacks: Skoda Fabia, Fiat Grande Punto, Hyundai i20, Mahindra Renault Sandero, Fiat Bravo, Honda Jazz, Toyota's hatchback Yaris.
• Sedans: Volkswagen (VW) Jetta, Fiat Linea, Suzuki Swift sedan (replacing the Esteem), Mistubishi Lancer Gallant, Hyundai i30, Honda's 'new' City, Tata's compact sedan that is reported to be smaller than its Indigo, and a new Toyota Corolla.
• SUVs and 4x4: Mitsubishi Outlander, GM Captiva, Hyundai Santa Fe, BMW X6
  Super luxury: The all new C-Class from Daimler Benz, the BMW M5, the BMW M6, Alfa Romeo 159, the Ferrari, Volvo C70 Convertible.
• Multi-utility vehicles (MUV's): M&M's Ingenio, Tata Motors' next generation Sumo, Tata's new pick-up truck Xenon.
• Upgraded / facelifts: Hyundai Santro, Tata Indica, Toyota Innova, some of which will be in alternative fuel versions such as CNG/LPG.
• Hybrids: Honda Civic, Tata Indica, M&M's Scorpio SUV.

Audi Q5

New Audi Q5 shapes up

Take a look at the best pictures yet of Audi’s Q5 compact SUV. The German firm’s engineers are putting the finishing touches to the model ahead of its unveiling at next year’s Geneva Motor Show.

A rival to the BMW X3, Land Rover Free lander and forthcoming BMW MLK, the Audi is based on the same platform as the A5 coupe and next-generation A4. These pictures reveal that the Q5 takes its styling inspiration from the bigger Q7.

Inside, there will be enough room to carry five adults in comfort, while the cabin is derived from the new A5. The Q5 will have limited off-road ability, and all models will feature a raised ride height and quattro four-wheel drive as standard. But with a chassis tuned for on-road handling, it will be sporty and fun to drive.

Under the bonnet, the Q5 will be offered with 2.0-litre turbo and 3.2-litre V6 petrol engines, plus 2.0-litre and 3.0 litre TDI diesels. There is also the chance Audi will make a high-performance 4.2-litre V8-powered model.

When the Q5 goes on sale in mid-2008, the range will start from around £30,000.

It isn’t the only new Audi SUV on the way – our spies have snapped a Q7 flagship, too. This has a 500bhp 6.0-litre V12 TDI diesel, an aggressive nose with deep air intakes and should cover the 0-60mph sprint in 5.5 seconds.