The Indian automotive industry is opening up with the lockdown relaxation across the country. Several new car launches have been planned for the next 6 months. Here’re 6 upcoming new cars/SUVs, which are scheduled to arrive in the next two months (i.e. July and August 2021).
1. New BMW 5 Series
Prices of the updated BMW 5 Series will be announced on 24th June 2021. The new model will come with improved styling, more features and the same engine setup. On the exterior, it gets slightly bigger twin-kidney radiator grille, new bumpers and headlamps with Laserlight tech, L-shaped DRLs and indicators and revised LED taillamps. Inside, there is a new-generation BMW iDrive10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, new dashboard and a digital instrument cluster. Powering the 2021 BMW 5 Series will be the same 2.0L petrol, 2.0L diesel and 3.0L diesel engines, paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The new model will be slightly expensive than the existing one that’s priced from Rs 56 lakh (ex-showroom).
2. Skoda Kushaq
Skoda Kushaq is ready to hit showrooms on coming 28th June 2021. Its unofficial bookings have already been commenced at a token sum of Rs 10,000. The model lineup will come in three trims – Active, Ambition and Style and 5 colour options. The mid-size SUV will be offered with the 113bhp, 1.0L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol and 147bhp, 1.5L, 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine options. Both motors can be had with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while a 6-speed torque convertor automatic and a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission will be reserved for the 1.0L and 1.5L variants respectively. It’s estimated to cost between Rs 9 lakh – Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom).
3. New Force Gurkha
Force Motors has teased the new-generation Gurkha ahead of its launch that’s likely to take place in July or August 2021. Based on the new ladder-on-frame chassis, the off-road SUV receives a new grille flaked by circular headlamps with LED DRLs, newly-designed 16-inch alloy wheels and pronounced wheel arches with cladding. Interior has been packed with bunch of features such as a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, a digital MID and steering with tilt adjustment along with front-facing seats for the second and third (optional) row passengers. Under the hood, the 2021 Force Gurkha employs a BS6-compliant diesel engine that’s good enough for 90bhp and 280Nm. It will be available with both 4WD and 2WD system. Prices of the new model are likely to start from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).
4. New Maruti Celerio
Maruti Suzuki’s popular Celerio hatchback is ready to enter into its second generation in coming months. Compared to the current generation, the new one will look more refreshing and have more features and cabin space to offer. The leaked patent images reveal that the hatch will carry modern styling instead of the boxy and upright stance. One of the major changes will come in the form of the Suzuki’s lightweight Heartect platform. The 2021 Maruti Celerio is reported to come with the existing 67bhp, 1.0L petrol engine along with the 5-speed manual and AMT gearbox options. The WagonR’s 83bhp, 1.2L petrol motor might also be offered on the model lineup. With subtle cosmetic and feature upgrades, the 2021 Maruti Celerio is likely to witness a minor price hike. It’s estimated to be priced from Rs 4.50 lakh to Rs 6.00 lakh (ex-showroom).
5. Volkswagen Taigun
Based on the MQB AO IN platform, the Volkswagen Taigun will see a release in August 2021. As per the dealer’s claim its prices will start from Rs 10 lakh for the entry-level variant and go up to Rs 17 lakh for the top-end trim. Engine setup of the new Volkswagen mid-size SUV will include a 114bhp, 1.0L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 147bhp, 1.5L, 4-cylinder turbo petrol unit. The same powertrains will be offered on the upcoming Skoda Kushaq. The carmaker claims that the Taigun will be the “safest, strongly built SUV” in its category. It could be offered with ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) along with several comfort goodies.
6. Toyota Ciaz
According to media reports, Toyota’s re-badged version of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz will be introduced in August 2021. It could be named ‘Toyota Belta’. Minor cosmetic changes are likely to be made on the sedan. It’s likely to receive front grille integrated chromed ‘Toyota’ badge and newly-designed alloy wheels. Interior layout and features will be exactly similar to the Maruti Ciaz. Though, it might come with a new colour scheme. Power will come from the same 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor pushing out power worth 104bhp and 138Nm of torque. Transmission options will include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox.
