Top Five Cars Due for Launch in 2017 to Help You Choose Better

As 2016 changes to 2017, there are many planning to bring home a new set of wheels for themselves or the family. The following is a list of top five cars from five different price brackets:Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Maruti Suzuki Ignis is quite appropriate for a small family of upto four people. With a tall height, large wheel arches and a distinctive front and rear end, it makes a neat looking city car.

Due for launch on January 13, the Ignis will come with an option of two engines - a modified version of the 1.2-litre K-series petrol unit found on the Swift and Baleno and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine. It'll have two transmission options - a manual and a CVT.

It is expected to come with touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, LED daytime running lamps, smartphone connectivity and Apple CarPlay, dual airbags and ABS, and reverse camera and parking sensor.

Maruti have not made any statement regarding Ignis' pricing. However, considering that it will be sold only through Nexa dealerships, a premium price tag could start around Rs. 5.5 lakh.

Read all about the Ignis here

Although Ford has not given a set date as to when will the EcoSport be launched in India, it is expected to arrive in 2017.

One of most popular models on the Ford line up, the new EcoSport was unveiled at 2016 LA Auto Show. The new model will not have the rear mounted spare wheel, and Ford have made many other changes to the exterior. The headlamps have grown a bit in size. The split-grille look of the current generation Ford EcoSport has given way to a larger, chrome-finished grille along with sharp creases on the bonnet which give the EcoSport an aggressive stance.

The cabin comes with B&O PLAY audio system, standard on EcoSport Titanium, and features a 675-watt system with 10 speakers, including B&O PLAY-branded tweeters and woofers in the front doors and a sub-woofer in the back.

The US-Spec variants are available with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that comes with four-wheel drive. Both come mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.

The current generation EcoSport's prices start at Rs 6,93,000, and we are yet to find out how much higher or competitive the prices for the 2017 model will go.

Tata Motors is set to launch their flagship product Hexa on January 18. The Hexa can serve requirements of a large family, and also has off-roading capabilities.

Powering the Hexa is the 2.2-litre Varicor 400 engine, which was first seen on the Tata Safari Storme. It delivers 156 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque, but in this scenario, it is a lot smoother and refined. There are two drivetrain options available – 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic.

Hyundai will be launching a four-wheel-drive version of the Tucson, which will come with a diesel engine, by around May 2017.

Compared as a direct rival to Honda CR-V, Tucson - priced at Rs 18.99 to 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) - is considered a bit too pricey by some.

The reason behind it is that the Tucson falls in a price bracket that makes it compete against larger seven-seat SUVs like the Endeavour. Tucson does have plenty of features on board, such as dual-zone climate control and a 10-way-powered driver seat. But it misses out on bits like a sunroof and rain sensing wipers, features that rivals or cars from a lower segment come with.

After the success of the Camry Hybrid in India, Toyota is all set to get the 2017 New Prius to India.

The new Toyota Prius is powered by hybrid powertrain that consists of a petrol engine along with an electric motor. The 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder DOHC VVT-I motor with EV44, Eco and Power modes delivers 97bhp power and 142Nm of torque. The electric motor works in tandem with the petrol engine and also sources power from lithium-ion/nickel-metal hydride batteries.

The new version is expected to be priced between Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and is coming to India in January 2017.

Toyota claims new Prius comes with 10 percent increase in fuel economy and a 40 percent increase in thermal efficiency.