The pick of the cars hitting the road in 2013…

BMW 1-series

Engine: 2.0-litre diesel, 3.0-litre petrol

Price: Rs.18 lakh

Expected: Late 2013

The new 1-series is a hatchback unlike any hatch previously seen in India. With a driver-focused rear-wheel-drive layout and the possibility of a 320bhp six-cylinder engine as an option, the 1-series will be the sportiest hatchback to ever set its wheels in India. There will be diesels too for the efficiency conscious, starting with the 140bhp 118d. The 125bhp 118i petrol will be the base model of the range and should come with an attractive price tag.

There is a downside to the rear-wheel drive layout and it’s that this configuration isn’t ideal for maximising interior space. However, this shouldn’t be a much of an issue because this car’s selling point is the fun it provides from the driver’s seat. Expect typical German build quality, an attractive dash and a reasonable 360-litre boot as well. BMW plans to assemble it in India and this means the 1-series will have the distinction of being the cheapest BMW in India.

Honda Amaze

Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel

Price: Rs.6-7.5 lakh Expected: March 2013

Honda’s big launch for 2013 will be the Amaze, which is a compact saloon based on the Brio hatchback. While the front end is similar to the Brio’s,

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