The next 6 months going to be action-packed for the automotive industry as several new car launches have been planned across segments. Here’s a brief on the top 8 upcoming new cars and SUVs, which are slated to hit showrooms by the end of 2021.
Skoda Kushaq
Skoda Kushaq , the brand’s first model to be based on MQB AO IN platform, will see a release on coming 28th June. The SUV will be offered with two turbocharged petrol engines – 1.0L, 3-cylinder (113bhp/175Nm) and 1.5L (148bhp/250Nm). Compared to the Creta and Seltos, the Kushaq 1.5L petrol will be more powerful and torquier. If reports are to be believed, the more powerful version of the new Skoda SUV will arrive in August 2021.
New Force Gurkha
The new-generation Force Gurkha is ready for launch with comprehensive design and feature upgrades. The off-road SUV will receive the BS6-compliant version of the 2.6L engine pushing out 90bhp and 280Nm of torque. The motor will be paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox and 4WD (four-wheel-drive) system with manual locking differentials controlled via levers. A 2WD will also be on offer.
New-Gen Maruti Celerio
2021 Maruti Celerio is reported to launch during this festive season. The hatchback will retain the upright stance, but it will grow in size. Significant cosmetic changes will also be made to it. Inside, it’s likely to get a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system with smartphhone connectivity. The new Celerio will sit on Suzuki’s Heartect platform and feature the 67bhp, 1.0L petrol and 83bhp, 1.2L petrol engines.
New-Gen Maruti Vitara Brezza
The second-generation Maruti Vitara Brezza is slated to come after the new Celerio hatchback (i.e. near around 2021 Diwali). The compact SUV will underpin the Heartect platform and witness noticeable changes inside and out. This time around, it’s reported to be offered with factory-fitted sunroof. Under the hood, it might get the 1.5L K15B petrol engine with a stronger hybrid system. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
Volkswagen Taigun
The Taigun will be Volkswagen’s answer to the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. It’s likely to be launched by August and deliveries might start in September 2021. With over 95% localization levels, the Taigun is estimated to cost between Rs 10 lakh – Rs 17 lakh. The VW SUV will share platform and engines with the upcoming Skoda Kushaq. That means the Volkswagen Taigun will underpin the MQB AO IN architecture and come with the 113bhp, 1.3L turbo petrol and 147bhp, 1.5L petrol engine options.
MG Astor
MG Astor is the petrol iteration of the ZS EV SUV that will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. It could be the first car in its segment to feature ADAS (advanced driver assistance system). Powering the SUV could be a 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.3L turbocharged petrol engine. While the former makes 120bhp with 150Nm, the latter offers 163bhp with 230N. It can be had with either a manual or an automatic transmission.
Mahindra XUV700
Mahindra XUV700 7-seater SUV is likely to arrive by October 2021. Based on the new monocoque platform, the XUV700 will be offered with the 188bhp, 2.0L turbo petrol and 185bhp, 2.2L diesel engine options. Both motors will come with 6-speed manual and torque convertor automatic transmissions. Reports suggest that there might also be a mild hybrid powertrain on offer. The new Mahindra three-row SUV will be packed with several advanced goodies.
Tata HBX
Tata Motors will mark its entry into the mini SUV segment with the HBX concept based model. Its production version is reported to be named ‘Tata Timero’. The new Tata mini SUV might hit roads by October 2021. Its engine setup will include a 1.2L, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and 1.2L turbocharged petrol unit. While the former will deliver power worth 86bhp with 113Nm, the latter will offer power around 100bhp.
Citroen C3
The Citroen C3 will be the second product from the French carmaker in India. The sub-4 meter SUV is reported to launch during 2021 festive season. Designed on the new CMP (Common Modular Platform), the C3 might derive its power from a 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine. Its power output will stand around 130bhp. Initially, it’s likely to be offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox. A DCT automatic transmission might be offered at a later stage.
