Tata Harrier, Nissan Kicks among top 5 car launches in January 2019

With new year comes new launches and the automobile industry is closely watched for the latest cars and bikes from leading brands. If you've been planning to upgrade your car in 2019, you'll have plenty of options, ranging from hatchbacks to sedans and SUVs in various budget segments. But you won't have to wait long as there are several exciting car launches lined up for January that will want you to get your checkbooks ready.

While international markets are favourite for many car brands as many models arrive in India at a later point. And January seems to be the favourite month of the year for Tata, Mercedes, BMW and many others who have their important car launches lined up.

Here are the top 5 car launches taking place in India this month:

Tata Harrier

One of the most-talked-about cars, Tata Harrier is going to disrupt the SUV space in a big way. Tata's latest offering is going to be an off-roading beast as it shares the same platform as the Land Rover's Discovery Sport. But the pricing of around Rs 14-20 lakh will make it more budget-friendly and compete directly against the likes of Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV500 and Hyundai Tucson.

As for the specs, Tata Harrier will be powered by a 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, 3,750rpm, 350Nm torque in a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox. Although there won't be a 4WD system, Tata Harrier will try to make up with Normal, Wet and Rought modes for the ESP.

Tata Harrier will arrive in four variants, XE, XM, XT and XZ, and five colours, Calisto Copper, Ariel Silver, Thermisto Gold, Orcus White and Telesto Grey. The official launch of Tata Harrier is going to take place on January 23.

Nissan Kicks

Nissan Kicks is going to set the premium compact SUV market on fire. The modern look paired with performance-driven specs make Nissan Kicks one of the most anticipated cars this year. The company started taking bookings for the car last month, but the official launch is set for this month.

Sharing the same low-cost M0 platform as Renault Duster and Capture, Nissan Kicks offers 106bhp 1.6-litre petrol and 110bhp 1.5-litre diesel engines. While the petrol variant gets 5-speed manual transmission, the diesel one gets 6-speed manual.

With the pricing of around Rs 10-15 lakh (ex-showroom), Nissan Kicks will compete against Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and Maruti Suzuki S-cross.

Mercedes-Benz V-class

Mercedes-Benz is bringing its luxury MPV, V-class, to India on January 24. The premium V-class MPV launched in 2014 is finally coming to India, and it'll be imported from Spain as CBU until sales prove worthy of local production. The six and seven-seater V-class will be powered by BS-VI-compliant 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine with seven-speed automatic gearbox. With a price tag of around Rs 75-80 lakh (ex-showroom), Mercedes-Benz V-class will offer a new line of cars within the company's premium fleet.

BMW X7

Speaking of luxury, BMW will launch its X7 SUV in India starting at a whopping Rs. 1.6 crore. This is exciting news for Indian consumers as the new car is only two months old since it made its debut at the 2018 LA Auto Show.

BMW X7 will leave no stone unturned in performance. Powered by a quad-turbocharged, 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine that pushes 400 horses down the pipes and generates 760Nm torque, BMW X7 will come in AWD variants with 8-speed automatic gearbox. The X7's cabin will more or less be identical to the X5, complete with 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, four-zone climate control system, soft-close doors, a three-piece glass sunroof, a park assistant function with a reversing camera and a reclining function for all three rows

BMW X7 is sure to uplift the premium SUV experience to a whole new level in India.

Toyota Camry

If you feel that's enough of SUVs for the month, Toyota is bringing all-new Camry in India on January 18. Powered by a 208bhp petrol engine and 118bhp from the electric motor, the new luxury sedan will be the latest hybrid offering in Toyota's lineup. The new Camry is more spacious, larger and shares the same platform that underpins Lexus ES 300h.

Toyota Camry will compete against the likes of Skoda Superb, VW Passat, Honda Accord and other premium sedans. It will be priced around Rs 39 lakh and justify the price tag with premium interiors and exteriors.