7 Coolest Sets of Wheels to Look Forward to in 2014
1/6
The design is more dynamic with a larger front grille and A-Class-esque headlamps. The side profile has bolder creases while the roof slopes nicely into the muscular rear end. LEDs have been used all around and Mercedes claims that not a single bulb has been used. And it’s an incredibly slippery shape with a drag coefficient of just 0.24—a segment benchmark. Four powertrain are available for the first year. The more powerful AMGs should follow suit
2/6
The Land Rover Discovery’s most significant feature in the facelift (expected in 2014) isn’t the new headlamps or the other cosmetic changes: It’s the badge above the grille. It doesn’t say Range Rover or Land Rover. It says Discovery. So far, Discovery was sold under the Land Rover brand, but from the next year it will be a brand of its own, adding to JLR’s portfolio of SUVs. Rumour also is that the all-new Freelander, when it arrives, will be under the Discovery brand. It will be the second in what is likely to be a bunch of models that will migrate to the new brand
3/6
The Qashqai is the flip side to the X-Trail. Having encountered dismal sales, Nissan isn’t entirely confident of the X-Trail doing well in the Indian market if it is revived. The only way Nissan can succeed in the premium SUV segment is by assembling the SUV here, which makes it more affordable and a stronger competitor. Another approach to the premium SUV segment is to introduce a new one that carries no baggage. That is where the Qashqai steps in. It is a large 7-seater SUV that is more attuned to ride comfort over solid and stable handling. We drove one recently in the USA but weren’t too impressed with the interior quality. The exteriors too should see some minor changes. The Qashqai will still need to be assembled here to make it price competitive
4/6
The Mercedes-Benz GLA will be many things to many people, but not large or spacious. But this compact, good-looking SUV will have reasonable interior space, good dynamics and good ground clearance. Expect to see the same engines and transmission as the CLA, the 1.8-litre petrol and 2.4-litre diesel with the 7-speed automatic or the new 8-speed automatic. Stylish and practical? Yes, the wait till it releases towards the end of the year is going to kill you but will probably be worth it.
5/6
The Q7, which owned the luxury SUV segment since it was launched here, has not received an update in a while because Audi has been working (with VW, of course) on a new SUV platform based on the MLB architecture that can be shared by not just Audi, but also the other VW Group brands. The first car to go on sale from this platform is the new Q7, which is expected towards end-2014. Among styling and design revisions, also expect it to be lighter and more efficient. Engines will also be downsized in accordance with Audi scriptures that chart a path for the future, and there will also be a hybrid
6/6
Porsche is almost ready to expand it’s one-SUV lineup (Cayenne) with the Macan. It will share some of the basic platform with it. But the company has worked on the engines, the chassis etc to ensure what you’re getting is a genuine Porsche rather than a souped-up Audi. We expect the Macan to enjoy great popularity in India, possibly even surpassing the Cayenne
More Photo Gallery
X