Eon to set tone for 'car party' in India

Santro may have done well, but Hyundai lately felt it could go in for an even smaller car to take on Maruti's immensely successful Alto. Thus, 'Eon' was born. Eon will also set a tone for small car launches by many German car giants. Take a look:

HYUNDAI EON

Dubbed as Maruti's Alto competitor, the car has already created a lot of buzz in the market. The car is expected set a new benchmark for the small cars in India.

Price: Rs 2.50 to Rs 2.75 lakh

Eon will will have a three-cylinder 814cc petrol engine and is expected to rev up Hyundai's sales at the entry-level of the small car segment.

Hyundai has taken enough steps to ensure that Eon's quality has not been compromised.

BMW MINI

Expected to rock the small luxury car segment in India. BMW India intends to introduce the iconic small car, the MINI in 2012. An independent dealer network is likely be set up for the MINI, which will be sold in the hatchback, convertible and Countryman (estate) models. It is expected to be expensive, even if it is assembled in India, with prices starting at around Rs 16 to 18 lakh.

Price: Rs 16 to 18 lakh

Audi Q3

Audi will launch the mini-Sports Utility Vehicle Q3 in India in early-2012.

Price: Rs 20-lakh range

VW Up

A really small car from Volkswagen. This vehicle sits a little below the Polo in the price line-up. If launched in India in 2012 as some expect it to be, it could change the dynamics of the Indian small car market.

MERC B-CLASS

Mercedes does not want to be left behind. Its new B-Class will be pitted against the fast-selling BMW X1 and is expected to be priced similarly at around `20 lakh and above.