2021 is going to be a hurricane of launches from numerous carmakers across the segments, as many launches were postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re a bit excited about new cars or looking for a car to buy in a budget range, here’s a comprehensive list of the top small / hatchback cars that are expected to be launched this year:
1. Tata Altorz Turbo
- Launch Date: 13th January 2021
Tata Motors is all set to introduce a turbocharged petrol engine with its premium Altroz hatchback. It will feature a 1.2-liter turbo petrol motor that will produce 110PS/140Nm of maximum output. It could also get a new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission option along with the 5-speed manual gearbox.
Design-wise the new Altroz will look similar to the existing model, however, Tata will launch a new Marnia Blue colour paint scheme, exclusively for the Altroz turbo variants. In terms of pricing, the Altroz Turbo is expected to carry a premium of around Rs 1-1.5 lakh over the current naturally aspirated petrol variants, which are priced between Rs 5.44 lakh and Rs 8.95 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Once launched, the Altroz Turbo will compete against the likes of Hyundai i20 Turbo and Volkswagen Polo TSI.
Also Read: Nine Cars To Launch In January 2021
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift Facelift
- Expected Launch: Around Feb-March 2021
After launching the updated Dzire sub-4m sedan last year, Maruti will now give the third-generation Swift hatchback a facelift update in 2021. It has already been launched in Japan, and we expect from Indian-spec model to get similar changes, which mainly includes a redesigned sportier bumper, a new studded design grille with a chrome bar, Suzuki's latest SmartPlay Studio 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, mild updated MID, and the fuel-efficient 1.2-litre petrol dualjet petrol engine with the idle stop-start feature.
Except facelifted Swift to carry a decent premium over the current model which ranges between Rs 5.19 lakh to Rs 8.02 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
3. Next-Generation Maruti Suzuki Alto
- Expected launch: – Around Diwali 2021
One of the most popular Maruti in the Indian market, the Alto 800 entry-level hatchback will get a long-overdue generation update this year. The new Alto is expected to get significant cosmetic changes both inside & outside, and some enhancements to the feature list as well. It is likely to be based on Maruti's latest Heartact platform, which also underpins many other offerings from the brand such as WagonR, Ignis, Swift, etc. However, it won't be as big as these cars, but this new platform could result in better cabin space.
In terms of powertrain, it is most likely to retains its current 48PS/69Nm 0.8-liter petrol engine, along with a new 1.0-liter petrol engine with an AMT gearbox option. Once launched, it will continue to rival the likes of the Renault Kwid and Datsun Redi-GO.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Begins Jimny Production In India
4. Second-Generation Maruti Celerio
- Expected launch: – Mid 2021
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki's 1.5-litre Diesel Engine Likely To Make A Comeback In 2021
We all know that the second-generation Maruti Celerio is in works. Revealed by its spy shots, the new Celerio hatch will be longer & wider than the outgoing model. It will get a completely revamped design following some new features. Like WagonR, Maruti could also offer 1.2-litre petrol engine (83PS/113Nm) with top-of-the-line variants of the 2021 Celerio, whereas the lower variants will continue to get the ongoing 1.0-litre petrol (68PS/90N) mill along with the CNG option. Expect Celerio X to also get generation update in the future.
