Six new cars likely in October: Duster hybrid, Audi Q3, Hyundai Bayon in focus

October is set to be a notable month for the Indian automobile market. Those planning to buy a car in the festive season will need to keep an eye on the new models and facelifted cars due this month. Six cars are currently being talked about: the Renault Duster hybrid, the new Audi Q3, the Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG, the Toyota Glanza facelift, the Hyundai Bayon and the Indulge edition of the MG Windsor EV.

The Renault Duster E-Tech 160 strong hybrid is expected to be unveiled on October 17. The SUV will have a 1.8-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery pack. The entire system together delivers 160 hp of power and 172 Nm of torque. The company claims that up to 80 per cent of city driving can be done in electric mode. The car could draw attention from those who value fuel savings.

The third-generation Audi Q3 will be launched in India on October 16. The car will get split LED headlamps, a larger grille and a rear light bar with an illuminated Audi logo. The cabin will have a 12.8-inch touchscreen, an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof and a Sonos sound system. A 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine will deliver 204 hp. With a 7-speed automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive, it will compete with the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Mahindra is likely to introduce the XUV 3XO CNG on October 15. The car could get a factory-fitted CNG system along with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine. Details of mileage, price and full features have not yet been announced. The car could take on the Tata Nexon CNG and the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG.

The updated Toyota Glanza is expected to be unveiled on October 14. It could get a new bumper, a larger grille, new alloy wheels and some changes in the cabin. Manual and AMT gearbox options are likely with the 1.2-litre petrol engine. The CNG variant may also continue.

The Hyundai Bayon is likely to arrive in India in October and could be positioned between the Venue and the Creta. The car is expected to get a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a manual or automatic gearbox. A CNG variant is also being talked about, but the company has not yet announced final details.

As the MG Windsor EV completes two years in India, an Indulge edition is likely. It could get a Shadow Gold colour, black alloy wheels and some changes in the cabin. No major changes are expected in the battery and electric motor. The price and launch date are yet to be clarified by the company.