In this article, we bring you a list of upcoming new sub-compact cars, measuring under 4 meters in length, in the Indian market in the next 12 months –
Citroen C3
Citroen will launch the much-awaited new-gen C3 compact car in the Indian market in the first half of 2022. It will be positioned against the likes of the Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the B-segment hatchbacks. The new model is based on the localised CMP modular platform that has been specifically developed for emerging markets. The Citroen C3 is a hatchback with crossover-like styling elements, such as raised ground clearance, roof rails and high-driving position.
Measuring 3.98 meters in length, the new Citroen C3 wil have a ground clearance of 180mm, a boot space of 315-litres and a segment-leading 1-litre of glovebox. It is claimed to offer a small turning radius of 10 meters. It is likely to be offered with a 1.2L naturally-aspirated or a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
New Maruti Brezza
Scheduled to be launched by mid-2022, the new Maruti Brezza will come with significant design changes and all-new interior. The company will drop the ‘Vitara’ prefix from the name, as the company could use this name for its upcoming mid-sized SUV. The new model will be based on the current Global C platform that underpins the S-Cross and the international-spec Vitara. The SUV will retain the same bodysheel and doors.
The new Maruti Brezza 2022 will retain the existing 1.5-litre K15B 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine with a mild-hybrid technology. This engine is capable of producing 104bhp of power and 138Nm of torque. The vehicle should offer higher mileage than the current model.
New Maruti Alto
Maruti Suzuki has started testing the next generation Alto hatchback, which is scheduled to be launched in early 2022. Spy images reveal that the new Alto will receive major changes. It will a tall-boy hatchback and will be a significantly bigger – longer and wider – than the outgoing model.
The new Maruti Alto 800 is expected to be based on the lightweight HEARTECT platform that underpins the new S-Presso. Not just platform, the new model is expected to share several features and other parts with the S-Presso. It is likely to be offered with the existing 800cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine. The company could also add the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, which was earlier offered on the Alto K10. The small car will also receive CNG powered model.
Mahindra eKUV100
Mahindra will launch the long-awaited electric version of the KUV100 in the early 2022. The electric SUV has already been spotted multiple times, which suggests that the production model looks slightly different from the pre-production model debuted at the 2020 Auto Expo.
The Mahindra eKUV100 comes equipped with a 15.9kWh battery pack that powers an electric motor. The electric motor produces 54.4bhp (40kW) and 120Nm of torque. Using regular charger, the battery can be charged to 100% in 5 hr 45min. The battery can achieve 80% charging in 55min using a fast charger. The vehicle is claimed to offer a range of up to 150km; however, Mahindra is working on upgrading the battery to achieve higher range.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
Maruti Suzuki is also preparing a long-wheelbase version of the Jimny mini off-roader, which is expected to be introduced in India before the end of 2022. The LWB model will be based on the Sierra, and will have 300mm longer wheelbase. The length will also be increase by 300mm. Leaked documents reveal that the new model will measure 3,850mm in length, 1,645mm in width and 1,730mm in height. The SUV will have a wheelbase of 2,550mm, while the ground clearance stands at 210mm. It will have a kerb weight of 1190kg, which is 100kgs higher than the 3-door Sierra.
Measuring under 4 meters, the 5-door Jimny for India is expected to get the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine. This engine is capable of producing 103bhp of power and 138Nm of torque. The vehicle could also get a mild hybrid system, which should improve its fuel efficiency.
