New Metal

The Toyota Etios will mark the entry of the Japanese carmaker into the highly competitive small car market in India with this "designed for India" vehicle. Despite massive quality problems in the US and Europe earlier this year when over 10 million cars were recalled for various faults, Toyota has already started a teaser campaign leading up to the launch of the Etios highlighting, what else, quality. Hope they know what they are on about.

Launch: Before end-2010

Price: Around Rs 5 lakh (hatchback); Rs 7 lakh (sedan)

The new Hyundai Santa Fe might invoke a name from the American southwest but this mid-sized utility vehicle is being launched primarily to take on the Honda CR-V, which dominates this small but lucrative segment. Hyundai expects its successful CRDI diesel engines to deliver the winning punch here.

Launch: Just launched Price: Around Rs 14-15 lakh

The Tata Aria is classified by Tata Motors as a "crossover", a car that looks like a people carrier but with the premium "feel" of a sports-utility vehicle. The Aria follows the design philosophy first seen on the Indigo Manza and will come with a powerful engine and a four-wheel drive option. Expect this to be the most luxurious vehicle ever to wear the Tata badge.

Launch: Just launched Price: Around Rs 10 lakh

Its first foray into India with the Logan might not have quite gone to plan but Renault's independent re-entry might come with the exciting new Fluence. Designed to take on the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis and the new Volkswagen Jetta, this car will bring some much-needed flair into this growing segment. Launch: Early 2011 Price: Around Rs 14-15 lakh

The Skoda Yeti has been showcased by the Czech manufacturer several times and is also a crossover vehicle, an offroad vehicle built on a small car platform, even though the vehicle cannot be called "small" by Indian standards. The Yeti has been winning rave reviews in automotive publications, but will the concept take off in India? That remains to be seen.

Launch: End 2010 Price: Around 10 lakh