Despite rising demand for SUVs, the sedan segment still holds a significance among the car buyers in India. Cars like Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze, Honda City and Hyundai Verna are still popular among car buyers. In this article, we bring you a list of upcoming new sedan cars in India in 2021 –
New Skoda Octavia
Skoda has officially announced to launch the new Octavia sedan in India in early 2021. The new model is 19mm longer and 15mm wider; however, the wheelbase remains the same at 2,686mm. The new model comes with aggressive styling, featuring prominent butterfly grille with chrome surround and single-piece headlamp with LED DRLs. The sedan will have a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support along with connected car technology with eSIM functionality and Skoda’s Smartlink+. It features an all-new 10.25-inch virtual cockpit digital instrument console. For safety and security, the sedan has 8 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC and traction control.
It will be powered by a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine that produces 147bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. The top-spec model is expected to receive the 190PS, 2.0L petrol engine. Both engines will be paired to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
Next-gen Skoda Rapid
Skoda will introduce an all-new mid-sized sedan, which will replace the current Rapid. The new model will be developed on the heavily localised MQB AO IN modular platform, which will also underpins the Vision IN based SUV, VW Taigun and the next-gen VW Vento. It is reported that the new model could be called the Skoda Slavia. To be introduced as a notchback, the upcoming Skoda Slavia will take on the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
The upcoming Skoda Slavia will be powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which currently powers the VW Polo, Vento and the Skoda Rapid. This engine is capable of producing 110bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Next-gen VW Vento
Volkswagen will also launch an all-new mid-sized sedan to replace the ageing Vento. Likely to be called the VW Virtus, the new sedan will be inspired by the Virtus sedan on sale in the select international markets. The new model will share the platform and engine specifications with the next-gen Rapid. It will be offered with a 110bhp, 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options.
Honda City Hybrid
Honda will introduce the hybrid version of the City sedan in the country in the first half of 2021. The hybrid model will be marketed as the City RS, which has more aggressive design elements. The City e:HEV comes equipped with Honda’s Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system, which comprises of 108PS/253Nm electric motor that drives the wheels. It features a 1.5L Atkinson-cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine that produces 98PS between 5,600 to 6,400rpm and 127Nm between 4,500 and 5,000rpm, along with an integrated electric motor acting as a generator and a starter. There is a single-speed transmission paired to the petrol engine, which provide direct drive at higher speeds. Honda claims that the new City Sport Hybrid will return an excellent fuel efficiency of 27.8kmpl on the NEDC cycle.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Mercedes-Benz had showcased the A-Class sedan at the 2020 Auto Expo. The company will first launch the AMG A35 sedan, which comes with more aggressive design highlights and powerful engine. It will receive a 306bhp engine and a sportier all-wheel-drive system.
The Mercedes A-Class diesel will be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 194bhp. This version will directly rival the newly launched BMW 220d Gran Coupe. The petrol version is likely to receive the 185bhp, 2.0-litre engine. Both motors will be paired to a 7-speed G-DCT dual-clutch gearbox.
New Volvo S60
Swedish luxury carmaker, Volvo will launch the long-awaited new-gen S60 sedan in the country in March 2021. Bookings for the third generation sedan will commence from January 2021. The new Volvo S60 will be powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine that produces 190bhp of power and 300Nm of torque. Transmission options will include an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It will offer 3 driving modes – Comfort, Eco and Dynamic. In terms of safety, the new sedan gets adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, speed alert and driver alert system.
New Audi A3 Sedan
German automaker, Audi will introduce the new-gen A3 sedan in the country in 2021. The new model comes equipped with mild-hybrid powertrains, refined suspensions and all-new interior. Featuring more coupe-like styling, the new A3 is longer, wider and taller than the previous model. The sedan gets a 150bhp, 1.5L petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid system. This engine is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Other engine options include a 150bhp, 35 TFSI with a 6-speed MT and a 150bhp, 2.0L diesel with 7-speed S-tronic automatic.
