The disastrous second COVID-19 wave had drastically impacted the sales of cars in India. However, Indians are now looking at personal mobility over shared mobility. This change in buying pattern could be hugely beneficial for the Indian auto industry. Car manufacturers are hoping that cars sales will significantly increase due to the upcoming Diwali season. Carmakers are preparing to launch their new products before and during the 2021 festive season. In this article, we bring you a list of new cars to be launched by Hyundai, Honda and Toyota in the country in the next 6 months.
Hyundai i20 N Line
Hyundai will introduce the first N Line car in the Indian market during festive season, 2021. The first N Line model will be the Hyundai i20 N Line. In terms of styling, the hatchback shares design elements from Hyundai’s N performance arm. Design highlights include re-styled bumper, a blackened grille with a “chequered flag” pattern, a prominent N Line badge, new skirtings, a triangular-shaped fog lamp, a chromed twin-exhaust, and newly styled dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels.
It is basically the sporty looking variant of the standard i20. It will be powered by a 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol engine. This 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine churns out 118bhp of power and 172Nm of torque. Transmission options could include a 7-speed DCT and a 6-speed iMT. It is expected that the new Hyundai i20 N Line will be refined in terms of suspension, engine response and exhaust sound.
Honda City Hybrid
Japanese automaker, Honda has officially announced to launch a strong hybrid model in the country in 2021. It is likely to the new City Hybrid, which is already on sale in select international markets. Likely to be launched around Diwali 2021, the new Honda City hybrid is expected to be priced around Rs 15 lakh to Rs 18 lakh.
It will be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine paired with two electric motors. This petrol engine produces 97bhp of power and 127Nm of torque. One electric motor will be coupled to the petrol engine and work as ISG (Integrated Starter Generator). The other one will deliver power to the front wheels via a single, fixed-ratio gearbox. Its power and torque output stand at 108bhp and 253Nm respectively.
Toyota Belta
It is reported that Toyota will launch the Ciaz based mid-sized sedan in August 2021. Rumoured to be called Toyota Belta, the sedan will replace the recently discontinued Yaris sedan. The new mid-sized sedan will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Verna and the Honda City. The Toyota Belta will retain the design of the Ciaz; however, minor changes are expected to give it a fresh feel. It will be powered by the same 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 104bhp of maximum power and 138Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic.
Toyota Hilux
Japanese automaker, Toyota will introduce its globally popular lifestyle pickup truck – the Toyota Hilux in the Indian market before Diwali 2021. The lifestyle pickup is reportedly to be offered in two variants – Hilux and Hilux Revo. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 18 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
It is based on the IMV platform that also underpins the Innova Crysta and the Fortuner. The lifestyle pickup could share the 204bhp, 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine with the Fortuner. Reports suggest that the vehicle could get the Innova’s 150bhp, 2.4L diesel engine. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
