2022 will kick start with a bang as several new car launches have been scheduled for early next year, especially in the first three months (January, February and March). There will be at least 13 important products and here’s a brief on them.
Updated Maruti XL6
The Indo-Japanese automaker will give a mid-life update to the Maruti Suzuki XL6 that’s reported to see a release in January 2022. The MPV will receive minor cosmetic and feature upgrades along with the 6/7-seats layout options. Its engine setup, however, will remain unchanged. The 2022 Maruti XL6 facelift might be offered with the same 103bhp, 1.5L petrol engine and 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox options.
New-Gen Maruti Brezza
The popular Maruti Vitara Brezza is ready to enter into its new generation in February 2022. The model, which is currently in its testing phase, will come with revised styling, up-market interior and a more frugal engine. For the first time, the compact SUV will receive a factory-fitted sunroof. Features such as wireless charging, a new infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity and paddle shifters will also be on offer. The SUV will continue to feature 103bhp, 1.5L petrol engine with the stronger 48V hybrid technology.
New Kia KY
Kia KY compact MPV will make its global debut on 16th December 2021 and its launch will take place early next year. Based on the Seltos’ platform, the model will come with 6 and 7-seats configurations. The new Kia MPV will share lots of design elements, features and engines with its donor sibling. Though, it will have longer wheelbase, wider rear quarter glass and overhangs. It could be offered with the 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol and 1.5L diesel engines making 159bhp and 115bhp respectively. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
New Hyundai MPV
If reports are to be believed, the South Korean automaker might bring in the recently-unveiled Hyundai Stargazer compact MPV in India. The spy images reveal that the model might come with the ADAS (advanced driver assistance system), Hyundai SmartSense feature and sunroof. Measuring around 4.5 meters in length, the MPV might come with the 113bhp, 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol and 113bhp, 1.5L turbo diesel engine options. It can be had with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic transmission.
Citroen C3
The French automaker has confirmed that its second offering in India will be the Citroen C3 hatchback. It carries crossover-like stance such as high ground clearance, roof rails and raised driving position. The new Citroen car will be built on the CMP modular platform that’s designed for emerging markets. Measuring 3.98 meters in length, the India-spec C3 will come in 4 colour options – Ice White, Artense Grey, Platinium Grey and Zesty Orange. There will be two roof colours – Artense Grey and Zesty Orange.
Updated Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda Auto is ready to roll out the updated Kodiaq SUV in January 2022. The model will come with more tech and improved styling. It will get revised bumpers, new LED matrix headlamps and pronounced bonnet. Interior details are yet to be revealed. Though, it’s likely to come with the bigger 9.2-inch infotainment system. Powering the 7-seater SUV will be the 190bhp, 2.0L TSI turbo petrol engine paired to a 7-speed automatic gearbox and AWD system.
Skoda Slavia
The Skoda Slavia will be the second launch from the Czech automaker in 2022. Prices of the mid-size sedan will be announced in March and its deliveries will begin in April. It will be the company’s second model to be designed on the Made-in-India MQB A0 IN platform. Here, the Slavia sedan will replace the aging Rapid. It will be significantly bigger than its replacement. Under the hood, the new Skoda sedan will feature the 115bhp, 1.0L TSI petrol and 150bhp, 1.5L TSI petrol engines. There will be three gearboxes on offer – 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT and DCT.
New-Gen Mahindra Scorpio
The new-generation Mahindra Scorpio will be the first big launch from the home-grown automaker in 2022. The SUV will come with improved styling, more facture packed interior and more powerful engines. While its petrol version will use the new 2.0L turbo motor making 150bhp and 300Nm, the diesel model will be powered by the 2.0L mHawk turbo unit offering 155bhp and 360Nm. The SUV will be offered with the 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox options. The higher trims will exclusively come with the AWD system.
Mahindra eKUV100
Mahindra & Mahindra will introduce its smallest and the most affordable electric SUV early next year. Called the Mahindra eKUV100, the model will look slightly different from the regular version. Its powertrain system will include a 15.9kWh battery pack powering an electric motor that’s good for 54.4bhp and 120Nm. Its battery pack will support both regular and fast charging and offer a range of up to 150km. Prices of the upcoming eKUV100 are likely to start around 9 lakh and go up to Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom).
Tata Punch Diesel
Tata recently foray into the micro SUV segment with the all-new Punch that’s currently available with the 85bhp, 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine. The motor has automatic engine start/stop function and two drive modes – Eco and City. The small SUV comes with the 5-speed manual and AMT gearbox options. Now, the company will bring in the Tata Punch diesel with the 1.5L oil burner making 89bhp and 200Nm. The diesel model is expected to arrive in early 2022. The automaker is also considering electric and CNG fuel options for the Punch SUV.
Tata Altroz EV
Tata Altroz EV will be the next big launch from the home-grown automaker in the country. The model had its India debut at the 2020 Auto Expo and its production version will hit roads in early 2022. The electric hatchback will use the brand’s Ziprtron electric powertrain that does duty in the Nexon EV. However, its battery capacity and power figures could be different. The Altroz EV might offer a range between 250km-300km. Similar to its electric sibling, the hatchback will have new ZConnect app on offer. Its styling will be slightly different from the regular model.
Jeep Meridian
The American automaker will enter into the premium 7-seater SUV segment with the launch of Jeep Meridian. The model is currently in its final testing phase and ready to launch early next year. The Meridian is essentially the Brazil-spec Commander SUV. The new Jeep three-row SUV will share its platform and styling bits with the Compass, but it will be bigger and more spacious. For power, it will use the 2.0L, turbo diesel engine delivering 173bhp and 350Nm. The SUV will have a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic gearbox on offer. The AWD system will be reserved for the higher trims.
Volkswagen Virtus
Volkswagen is ready to foray into the mid-size sedan segment early next year. The German automaker will introduce the Volkswagen Virtus that will be built on the MQB A0 IN platform. The sedan will share some of its design elements, features and components with the upcoming Skoda Slavia. Though, it will look different. The new Volkswagen sedan will be powered by the 1.0L TSI turbo petrol and 1.5L TSI petrol engines delivering 110bhp and 150bhp respectively. Similar to the Slavia, it will come with the 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque convertor automatic and 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox options.
