Festive season is that time of the year when car manufacturers roll out some of their highly anticipated offerings to maximize on the auspicious sentiments. And this time around it won’t be different. Here’s brief on the top 5 upcoming new cars that are ready to hit showrooms during 2020 festive season (Diwali season).
1. Kia Sonet (September)
The Kia Sonet is one of the much-awaited car launches of this year. The carmaker showcased its near production model at this year’s Auto Expo and its final version trades most of design bits and features from the concept. The Sonet will come in two trims – Tech Line and GT Line – packed with several segment-first features including biggest infotainment system (10.25-inch touchscreen display) with in-built navigation and connectivity options, ventilated seats, sound mood lighting, wireless charging with cooling vents and traction modes. The subcompact SUV will be offered with multiple engine (4) and gearbox (5) options. While the engine setup includes 1.2L petrol, 1.0L turbo petrol and 1.5L diesel with two states of tune, there are 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, iMT, a torque convertor AT and DCT AT gearboxes to choose from.
2. New-Gen Mahindra Thar (2nd October)
The second-generation Mahindra Thar looks more modern and rugged than the outgoing model. While the new seven-slot grille gives it an aggressive appeal, the retro circular halogen headlamps are carried over from the existing generation. Several other significant design changes have been made to the off-road SUV. Sitting on a new ladder-frame chassis, the new Thar comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Features such as a colour multi-information display for the instrument cluster, roof-mounted weather resistant speakers, steering mounted controls, cruise control and a factory-fitted hard top add more value to the package. The new-generation model has more basic safety features to offer. The off-road SUV can be had either with a new 150bhp, 2.0L mStallion petrol engine or 130bhp, 2.2L mHawk diesel motor. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and an Aisin-sourced 6-speed torque converter automatic.
3. New-Gen Hyundai i20 (October)
The new-generation Hyundai i20 has already been revealed for the European market. Reports suggest that the premium hatchback’s new model will make its way to India in the month of October. Featuring Hyundai’s radical ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, the new model looks more premium than its predecessor. Interior has also been revised with several new features including a newly-designed dashboard, segment’s largest 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and Hyundai’s BlueLink telematics system, leather wrapped steering wheel and several other goodies. The hatchback will be offered with three engine options – 1.2L petrol, 1.0L turbo petrol and 1.5L diesel. While manual gearbox will be standard across the range, the turbo petrol unit will get a DCT automatic gearbox.
4. MG Gloster (October)
MG Gloster premium 7-seater SUV will be the fourth offering from the British carmaker in India. Slated to launch this festive season, the Gloster will take on the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. It’s likely to be offered with an in-house developed 2.0L twin turbo diesel engine generating power worth 218bhp and 480Nm of torque. Initially, it will come with a manual gearbox. The carmaker might offer an 8-speed automatic transmission at a later stage. MG’s new 7-seater SUV will be bigger than its rivals and offer several class-leading safety features including autonomous emergency braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and park assist. It will be the first car in its segment to feature 64 colour ambient lighting system along with several advanced comfort goodies.
5. New-Gen Maruti Suzuki Celerio (October – November)
Maruti Suzuki is ready to give a generation change to the Celerio hatchback during 2020 festive season. The new model is likely to see a release in the month of October or November. Based on Suzuki’s Heartect platform, the 2020 Maruti Celerio is likely to sit on a longer wheelbase and offer wider cabin. The interior layout is likely to be revised completely. The higher trims of the hatchback might be exclusively offered with SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system. For power, there will be two petrol engines – 1.0L and 1.2L K-Series. Buyers will have 5-speed manual and AMT gearboxes to choose from.
