Top 10 India-bound cars spied in May

It’s intriguing to see cars concealed under the camouflage when the manufacturer is out testing them in the wild. An air of mystery surrounds them, thanks to the cladding and it piques our curiosity as we wonder about the new features that lie underneath. Is it just cosmetic changes? A minor facelift? Or are we looking at a new generation car?Until the car maker comes out with an official teaser, speculations and spy shots are all we have to satisfyourselves. Take a look at these vehicles spotted undergoing tests from around the globe last month. This is a list of top 10 cars that will definitely make it to Indian shores. 

Renault Duster

The second-generation Dacia Duster has been spotted testing for the first time. The revised version of this same car with a Renault badge will be launched in India after its global debut. We can expect the new-gen model to be revealed later this year, as a 2018 model. Expect cosmetic updates with fresh interiors while the overall shape will remain the same.

Volkswagen Polo

The new Polo is an important car for Volkswagen, especially in India. The new-gen Polo moves to the new MQB platform and grows bigger in dimension while losing significant weight over the outgoing car. It will be more spacious and efficient as well. The new platform will help cut the cost down resulting in higher volumes for the VW in India. Production will commence this month in Wolfsburg.  

BMW X4

The X4 has been around for just three years now and BMW felt the need to revamp the crossover in the wake of their biggest model offensive plan. The X4 is based on the X3, and while the latter is confirmed to move to new CLAR platform, the X4 is also likely to follow. This means the new X4 will be an all-new car rather than a mid-life cycle update.

Range Rover Evoque

The Evoque received a minor cosmetic update just last year, however, Land Rover is out testing the new generation of their most popular vehicle already. The test mule carries the same wheelbase as the current car, but the overhangs seemed to have been cut off to make room for a practical interior space. The Evoque was never regarded as a practical package and the carmaker might want to change that with the new update.

Volvo XC40

Volvo is keeping its promise to introduce a smaller crossover than the XC60 based on the 40.1 concept. Called the XC40, the test mule is carrying out Volvo’s SUV family design. It will premier Volvo’s newly developed Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform. It will be an affordable crossover who will fight againstthe likes of BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Mercedes G-Class

Even after being in production for four decades now, the G-Class still retains a virtually unchanged exterior. The updated G-Class is rumoured to be 10cm wider than the current car with a wider track, electro-mechanical steering and independent suspension. Lightweight materials will help lose weight. The high-performance G63 variant will follow shortly.

Range Rover Velar SVR

The Velar is yet to hit the roads and the British carmaker is already prepping up a potent Velar SVR version of the SUV and testing it out on the Nurburgring. The Velar SVR will receive massive aerodynamic tweaks and, of course, the 5-litre V8 with around 550bhp and 680Nm.

Rolls Royce Phantom

The eight generation Phantom is set to debut late this month. It will be based on the new CLAR platform while the extensive use of CFRP (carbonfibre reinforced plastic) will keep the weight down. The design of the Phantom VIII will be evolutionary as it will retain the famous grille, face and incredibly lengthy side profile. The Phantom VIII will employ 6.6-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 563bhp/820Nm.

Mini Cooper Convertible

Following the Mini Cooper S, the Convertible Mini was spied with little camouflage on the fascia and tail lights. Apart from subtle changes, the new Mini range will feature updated cabin with the infotainment system and a lot of optional features. The facelifted Mini will continue to be powered by the same range of engines with probably a different state of tune

BMW i8 Spyder

BMW has confirmed the i8 Spyder arrival by next year, however, the spied test mule looks production ready. The i8 Spyder is a rocking fabric roof with minimalist changes to the exterior. As far as powertrain is concerned, the i8 Spyder will scrounge the upgrade from the i8 Formula E-Safety car. The battery pack, upgraded from 7.1kWh to 10kWh, will result in a higher driving range.