New car launches in May 2019

The temperature in summer is all set to rise with a slew of new car launches in May. Growing demand in the SUV segment has encouraged car manufacturers to introduce a fresh set of products in the country. With the new revised taxes in place for the new financial year, four popular car manufacturers in India have lined-up their products for launch next month. Read below to learn more about them –

BMW X5

German luxury car manufacturer, BMW will launch the fourth generation X5 in India on 16 May. The Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is based on the new CLAR platform with fresh design highlights and a new set of features. The new BMW X5 is larger in size than its predecessor and for the first time, it rides on a set of large 21-inch wheels. As for the interior, the vehicle gets floating infotainment screen, horizontal centre console and a fully-digital instrument cluster. The new model will get the BMW Live Cockpit Professional display as a standard fitment. The iDrive is also updated and it now supports a customisable display, touchscreen panel and gesture/voice commands.

Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue was recently unveiled in India. Hyundai boasts about the Venue, claiming it to be India’s first connected SUV. The upcoming compact SUV will get the Hyundai Blue Link connectivity options, with 33 features including 10 India-specific features. Due for launch on 21 May, the Venue will compete against the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Tata Nexon in India. The Hyundai Venue will be offered with a choice of three powertrains – two petrol motors and a diesel mill. The 1.0-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine generates 118bhp and 172Nm and is available with a seven-speed DCT or a six-speed manual gearbox. The other gasoline motor on offer is an Elite i20 sourced 1.2-litre mill that generates 82bhp and 115Nm. It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The diesel version, on the other hand, gets a 1.4-litre four-cylinder CRDi unit that generates 89bhp and 220Nm. It is available with a six-speed manual gearbox only, and an automatic will join the lineup at a later date.  

Mahindra TUV300 facelift

Mahindra TUV300 facelift has started arriving at dealership ahead of its official launch in the country next month. The updated TUV300 continues to be powered by the 1.5-litre diesel that generates 100bhp. The new model will be available in five variants – the base variant T4+, T6+, T8, T10 and the top-spec T10 (O). There is no plan to introduce a petrol engine option for the Mahindra TUV300 facelift yet. The TUV300 facelift will get a restyled front grille and a new bumper design. Additionally, the updated model now gets smoked headlamps and clear taillamps. The top spec version will be offered with darker alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.

MINI John Cooper Works Hatch

MINI will launch the iconic John Cooper Works (JCW) Hatch in India on 9 May. The upcoming model will be available with new features and interior upgrades, along with a more emission friendly version of the existing petrol engine. The carmaker contends that this sporty and feature loaded three-door hatch will further attract the youth towards this brand in India. The vehicle will be powered by a 2.0-litre, TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 228bhp. The three-door hatch is reportedly capable of sprinting from 0-100kmph in just about 6.3 seconds. The powerful engine will come mated to a Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission. Over the regular model, the MINI JCW will get a distinctive highlight in the form of automatic LED headlights and LED taillights. The vehicle will get synthetic leather bucket seats, along with piano black interior and exterior trim elements.