Safari
Engine capacity: 1,948cc. Price: Rs 7.5 lakh. Launch
date: January 14, 1998.
This plush sports vehicle from TELCO plans to wow Pajero wannabes. Definite draw. |
W-210
Engine capacity: 2,497cc, diesel.
Price: Rs 26 lakh-Rs 28 lakh.
Launch date: January 1998
The new Mercedes from the Benz-TELCO stable aims to grab more of the luxury market ahead
of the competition. |
Hyundai Atos
Engine capacity: 999cc. Price: Rs 3 lakh. Launch
date: end 1998.
Unlike others, who tested the mid-size segment and burnt their fingers, this South Korean
company wants to start with this small, modern, spacious car which is undergoing trials in
India. A modified version for Indian roads is likely. On show at the Auto Expo, like other
cars listed here, the Atos will require good distribution backup to deliver on its
potential. |
Honda City
Engine capacity: 1,343cc- 493cc. Price: Rs 7.6 lakh-Rs 8
lakh. Launch date: Jan 1998.
Perhaps the most eagerly awaited car in the middle segment, the two models from Honda
bring with them international recognition, sophistication and solid power. Honda-SIEL has
plans to notch up numbers with single-point sales, service and spares. If this works, the
combination of an elegant car and good backup could seriously hit Cielo, Astra and the
Escort. |
 Kinetic "Small Car"
Engine capacity: 500cc.
Price: Rs 1.25 lakh plus.
Launch date: early 1998.
Strictly a city car. A struggling top speed of 65kmph and basic body makes it a car for
those who want to shift up from scooters. The USP isn't strength but rockbottom pricing.
If you haven't a car, look. Or, wait for the second-hand market to crash. |
Daewoo D'Arts
Engine capacity: 796cc. Price: approx Rs 3 lakh. Launch
date: mid/late 1998.
Option in the Maruti 800 and Zen range. Compact comfort, sleek styling |
Mitsubishi Lancer: Engine
capacity: 1,468cc-1,998cc (diesel).
Price: Rs 7.6 lakh-Rs 8.5 lakh. Launch date: Mid-1998.
This sleek, comfortable vehicle from the HM-Mitsubishi stable is built solidly, with
modifications for Indian road conditions. Top speed of about 180kmph and sturdy handling
is more than adequate -- with power to spare. |
