Post Covid related restrictions, the demand for new cars in our market is at all time high. However, production of cars have hit hard due to global shortage of semi-conductor chips. If reports are to be believed, more than 5 lakh buyers in India are awaiting car delivery. The recently launched Mahindra XUV700 has already bagged 50,000 bookings in just 3 hours. In fact, Maruti has the highest backlog of more than 2 lakh units.
Despite production shortage, automakers are working on several new products for the fast growing Indian market. In this article, we bring you a list of top 5 exciting new cars to be launched in the Indian market in 2022.
1. Maruti-Toyota Mid-Sized SUV
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota JV is working on a new mid-sized SUV, codenamed D22. The new SUV is reportedly to be launched in the second half of 2022. It will be produced at Toyota’s Bidadi based plant. The new mid-sized SUV will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and the MG Astor.
The new mid-sized SUV is likely to be based on the Toyota’s DNGA (Daihatsu New Generation Architecture) that also underpins the Toyota Raize and the Daihatsu Rocky. It is expected to be powered by a 1.5L petrol engine with a stronger hybrid system. MSIL could also use the 1.4L Boosterjet or a new 1.2L Turbocharged petrol engine to power the new SUV.
2. Kia KY 7-Seater
Kia Motors is readying an all-new 7-seater utility vehicle, codenamed KY for the Indian market. The new model is reportedly to be based on the new Seltos platform, which will be modified to accommodate a longer wheelbase. It is the same platform that underpins the new Hyundai Alcazar. r. The 7-seater model is also likely to share the engine options with the Alcazar, which includes a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel and a 2.0-litre petrol. While the former is good for 115PS of power and 250Nm of torque, the petrol engine produces 159PS and 191Nm of torque. Transmission options are likely to include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
3. New Mahindra Scorpio
Mahindra will launch the next generation Scorpio in the first half of 2022. The new model is currently in its final stages of testing. In fact, the SUV has already been spotted in production avatar. It will be based on ladder-on-frame chassis, which also underpins the new Mahindra Thar. The new Scorpio will offer multiple seating configurations including 7-seater model with forward facing third-row seats. The new Scorpio could also offer a 5-seater derivative.
The new Scorpio will be offered with a de-tuned version of the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder mHawk turbo engine that powers the XUV700 MX variant. This engine produces 155bhp and 360Nm of torque. It will also receive a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that is likely to produce around 150bhp and 300Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. Rear-wheel-drive layout will be offered as standard, while the top-spec model will get AWD system.
4. New-gen Maruti Alto
Maruti Suzuki is developing multiple new models including the next-gen Swift, Baleno facelift, Jimny 5-door, next-gen Vitara Brezza and the new Alto. The new-gen Maruti Alto will be launched in the country in early next year. The company has already started testing the new Alto hatchback in the country. The new 2022 Maruti Alto is likely to witness comprehensive cosmetic changes and feature upgrades along with the lighter Heartech platform.
The new model will be equipped with new features such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support, power windows, climate control, etc. It is most likely to be powered by the 769cc, 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 48bhp and 69Nm of torque. The hatchback could also receive SHVS mild hybrid technology and CNG kit option.
5. Jeep Meridian
Jeep will launch the new 7-seater SUV based on the Compass platform. It is basically the Jeep Commander that has recently been launched in Brazil. The SUV is likely to receive some India-specific changes to styling as well as inside the cabin. It will be produced at FCA’s Ranjangaon facility, which also produces the Compass SUV.
Production of the new Jeep Meridian will commence by April 2022, while launch is expected by July-August. In terms of proportions, the Jeep Meridian is 4,769mm long, 1,859mm wide and 1,682mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,794mm. The wheelbase has been increased by 158mm to accommodate a longer body. Compared to the Compass, the new Meridian is around 364mm longer, 41mm wider and 42mm taller. It is most likely to be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that powers the Jeep Compass. This engine churns out 173bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The top-spec model will also receive an AWD system.
