The festive season will begin with Navratri on 7th October 2021. Many of us are waiting to buy a new car during this auspicious time period. In order to cash in the festive season, car manufacturers like Skoda (Kushaq), Kia (Seltos X-Line), Tata (Safari Gold Edition) have already introduced new models. Here’re details of the upcoming new SUVs that could be good options for buyers.
Volkswagen Taigun
Volkswagen Taigun is ready to launch on 23rd September 2021 (i.e. tomorrow). The mid-size SUV underpins the MQB AO IN platform that has been designed especially for the emerging markets. Dealers have already begun accepting bookings and the model is reported to gather over 10,000 pre-orders. The SUV will be made available with the 1.0L, 3-cylinder TSI (113bhp/175Nm) and 1.5L, 4-cylinder TSI (148bhp/250Nm) petrol engines and three transmission options – a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed DSG automatic (only for 1.5L variants). The Volkswagen Taigun shares its design bits, features and several components with Skoda Kushaq. Though, it has different styling along with a few extra goodies.
New Force Gurkha
Force Motors recently unveiled the all-new Gurkha compact off-road SUV for the Indian market. Prices of the model will be announced on 27th September, while its deliveries will begin from 15th October 2021. The SUV comes with improved styling, well-equipped interior and BS6-compliant diesel engine. Under the hood, it carries the BS6 2.6L oil burner making power worth 91bhp and 250Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox and 4WD system are standard across the model lineup. It also gets manual front and rear locking differentials along with an air intake snorkel and front and rear anti-roll bars. The 2021 Force Gurkha meets the new crash test and pedestrian safety standards.
Tata Punch
The upcoming Tata Punch will go on sale in October. Its unofficial bookings have already been commenced and the model started arriving at dealerships ahead of its official price announcement. It will be the first micro SUV from the home-grown carmaker in the country. Estimated to cost from Rs 5 lakh, the Tata Punch will take on the Maruti Ignis and Mahindra KUV100. It will share its platform, design elements and features with the Altroz hatchback. On the engine front, the mini SUV will offer 85bhp, 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol and 100bhp, 1.2L turbo petrol motors along with manual and AMT gearbox options.
MG Astor
MG Astor is surely the much-awaited new car launches of this year. Official booking and launch date of the SUV, however, are yet to be announced. It’s most likely to see a release in the month of October. The Astor will come in five trims (Style, Super, Smart, Sharp and Savvy), 5 colours and two petrol engines – 1.4L turbo (136bhp/220Nm) and 1.5L VTi (107bhp/144Nm). While the 1.3L petrol motor will be available with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the 1.5L gasoline unit will come with 6-speed manual and 8-speed CVT automatic gearbox options. The MG Astor will offer several segment-first features including Level 2 autonomous tech.
Mahindra XUV700
Mahindra XUV700 5/7-seater SUV will go on sale in the month of October. Prices of the 5-seater model have already been announced. The SUV model lineup comes in 4 trims (MX, AX3, AX5 and AX7) and 34 variants with multiple engine-gearbox combinations. While the base MX trim will be offered with 5-seats layout, the AX3 and AX4 can be had with either 5-seats or 7-seats configuration. The range-topping AX7 trim will be available with 7-seats layout and 3 packages – Comfort, Luxury and Tech. The Mahindra XUV700 will be available in 7 monotone colour options. Its engine setup includes a 2.2L turbo diesel and 2.0L turbo petrol motor making 153bhp with 360Nm/182bhp with 420Nm and 197bhp with 380Nm respectively.
