There is a rather long line-up of cars
coming our way this year. Everything from compact SUVs to hyper cars are being
prepared for launch as we speak and as far as predictions go, 2013 will end up
giving us all a long list of options to choose from. Manufacturers are
considering India as a key market and are even treating it as a base which can
sustain itself as an export hub. That translates to getting our name tucked
into the launch calendar on a priority basis - especially when it comes to cars
which conform to requirements that match those of the Indian customer -
pricing, brand value, space and practicality.
Earlier it used to be the sub-$0.18 lakhs
range which manufacturers ticked off when it came to making the list of
probable candidates. But now the buying capacity has improved and that has
stepped up the bar to the $0.36-0.54 lakhs category. That brought to our
attention an interesting observation. We just took two brands which are quite
popular these days. Two manufacturers whose cars most of us aspire to own someday,
but are beyond our reach because of the steep prices of course - Audi and
Mercedes Benz.
This year will see the international
launches of two high volume generators for both German marques. Mercedes Benz
has already started their assault with the launch of the CLA sedan while Audi
is planning for the international launch of the A3 Sedan towards the end of the
year. Both cars are expected to be evenly matched in performance, features and
above all, price. Both are targeted at a younger generation of brand conscious
buyers who would like to have a not-so-expensive set of wheels which can also
deliver some fun behind the wheel.
Believe it or not, if these two cars are
launched in India, they will be competitively priced in the $45 lakh range.
These two will be the stepping stones for many to the magnificent driving
experiences that both manufacturers' cars are known for.
Mercedes Benz CLA
Mercedes
Benz CLA
They say that Mercedes has a car for
everyone. If you love the CLS sports sedan which blends the styling of the
coupe with the practicality of a sedan, but can't afford the car for its incredibly
high price tag, then the CLA is just the right car for you. Based on the
acclaimed and well-received underpinnings of the A-Class and B-Class
hatchbacks, the CLA does have a solid platform to depend upon. The styling
which is more flashy of the two has already received the thumbs-up from
enthusiasts and that in itself is a major success for the manufacturer.
Mercedes
Benz CLA’s interior
Mercedes will be launching the CLA with a
dozen engine options to choose from including AMG-powered maniac. But their
major revenue generator will be the CLA250 which comes with a 2.0-liter inline
four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 208bhp of power and 258
pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission will be
harnessing the power. Sadly, the car won't be offered with a manual gearbox.
The CLA is also a significant car in Merc's history as it is their first-ever
production front-wheel drive car.
Audi A3 Sedan
Audi
A3 Sedan
The A3 sedan which will be joining the
arena a bit late this year is based on the Volkswagen Group MQB platform. Like
its stable mates, the A3 has an air of understated styling around it. Certainly
not meant for those who would like their car to bring them the attention, the
A3 will appeal to Audi loyalists for being the ticket to the world of the four
rings. The list of engines is as follows. A 2.0-liter TDI offering
150-horsepower and 236-pound-feet of torque, a 1.4-liter, 140-hp and 184-lb-ft
TFSI, and a 1.8-liter, 180-hp and 184-lb-ft TFSI. The base range doesn't
consist of a variant with the all-wheel drive Quattro system. Rather
unfortunate.
Audi
A3 Sedan’s interior
However, Audi will eventually be launching
the wilder S3 variant which will go head-to-head with the AMG-powered CLA and
the S3 will obviously be coming to the showrooms with the Quattro system in
place. All A3 models will come with a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch
transmission as standard. But the European customers will get to choose from a
six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed S tronic dual clutch setup. The A3
will boast of the Audi drive select feature which adjusts the car to unique
drive settings. We expect this car to be the game changer in the segment.
The stage is set, the warriors are gearing
up and now it's up to the manufacturers to unleash them on to arena and let us
decide which car is better.
May the best car win.
