With the festive season reaching its peak in October, car manufactures are all set to launch new cars, face-lifted versions in addition to offering price discounts and exchange bonuses to buyers. Many vehicles are poised to be launched this month. Among them, four vehicles require special mention, as they aroused a lot of curiosity among buyers. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The second premium car to be sold through Maruti Suzkui's Nexa dealership chain, the Baleno will enter the market on 26 October. The car is postioned above the Swift meaning a premium offering in terms of features, tech and price.

Under the hood, the Maruti Baleno will pack the company's newly-developed 1.0-litre Boosterjet direct injection turbocharged petrol engine and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel motor along with the SHVS mild-hybrid system debuted with Ciaz hybrid.

In term of dimension, the Maruti Baleno measures 3,995mm in length, 1,745mm in width and 1,470mm in height. The Baleno is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 7 to 10 lakh and will be pitted against Hyundai Elite i20 and New Honda Jazz.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga facelift

The popular MPV of Maruti Suzuki is up for a mild facelift and major changes in mechanical section. The Ertiga facelift is powered by the 1.3 multi-jet diesel engine and comes with the company's SHVS mild-hybrid system mated five-speed manual transmission. The 1.4-litre K Series petrol engine producing 94bhp and 130Nm mated to five speed manual transmission will be available with four-speed automatic transmission as well.

The cosmetic upgrades leads with an embossing three-slat chrome grill. The fog lamps get chrome housing and a newly-designed bumper. At the rear, a horizontal chrome slat above the registration plate and a set of reflectors on the bumper are the main changes.

The interior will be spruced up with engine start/stop button, new upholstery, electric folding mirrors, keyless entry and SmartPlay infotainment system.

In line with the Ciaz sedan that dropped the price by making use of the FAME scheme by the Central government, which offers incentives up to Rs 29,000 on electric and hybrid vehicles, the Ertiga facelift is also expected to be priced slightly lower than the current models.

Fiat Abarth Punto

When launched on 10 October, the Abarth Punto will be the most powerful hatchback in the country that will beat the new Ford Figo with 1.5-litre engine developing 112bhp in the race.

The Abarth Punto is powered by the 1.4-litre T-JET turbocharged petrol engine that dishes out 145bhp power at 6,000rpm and 200Nm torque at 1,750rpm. The engine with fuel efficiency of 16.3kmpl can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in eight seconds and will come coupled to a five-speed gearbox.

On the exterior, the Abarth Punto will be differentiated from the regular model with contrasting ORVM and 'T-Jet' badge on the bootlid. The Abarth Punto will get sporty body decals on the bottom of both sides and on the bonnet. The interior will be spruced up with fabric upholstery with contrast stitching in red and yellow and sportier steel pedals.

The estimated price for the most powerful hatchback in the country is about Rs 10 lakh.

Mahindra Mojo 300

The most anticipated motorcycle launch in October is the flagship model of the Mahindra Two Wheelers, the Mojo 300. Mahindra first showcased the Mojo prototype at the 2010 Auto Expo. Considering that it has taken more than five years to develop the motorcycle, auto lovers have high expectations from the Mojo 300.

The motorcycle is powered by a 296cc liquid cooled, 4-stroke single-cylinder engine that can churn out power of 27bhp at 8,000rpm and a peak torque of segment leading 30Nm at 6,500rpm. The motorcycle features a unique twin-headlamp in black cowl and daytime running lights positioned above the headlamps. The Mojo also boast of first in the segment Pirelli Sport Demon tyres and twin exhaust extending the mojo of the motorcycle

The motorcycle will be priced under Rs 2 lakh and will be pitted against the likes of Kawasaki Ninja 300R, Honda CBR 250R and KTM Duke twins.

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