The year 2021 brought us a slew of new launches, including the most anticipated XUV700 and Tata Punch. And, we believe the upcoming year is also going to be massive for the Indian automotive industry as we have a whole new pack of blast-offs straight from the hatchback to SUVs and electric vehicles, coming out next year. Here’s our complete list of the top 10 most awaited car launches of 2022 in India: –
1. Mahindra Scorpio
Earlier expected to launch in 2021, we are still waiting for the new Scorpio to hit our shores. And now, it is believed to be launched in the first quarter of 2022. It is likely to undergo a host of new changes both inside and outside, featuring a whole new design and a plethora of new features like single-pane electric sunroof, roof-mounted speakers, dual-zone climate control, connected car technology, 360-parking camera, off-roading modes, and much more. It could also regain its 4×4 drivetrain system albeit with new powertrain options. That said, it is likely to be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engine as the XUV700, but in a lower state of tune. Expect Mahindra to price the new Scorpio from around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It is likely to be sold alongside the current-gen Scorpio that will soon receive a midlife update.
2. Maruti Suzuki Jimny
Fascinated by the second-generation Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha, Maruti Suzuki is likely to foray into the compact off-roader space with the highly awaited Jimny SUV in 2022. Unlike its global-spec version, the India-bound Jimny could come in a longer-wheelbase 5-door avatar. A leaked document has already revealed its dimensions and engine specifications. That said, it will measure 3,850mm in length, 1,645mm in width, and 1,730mm in height. It is likely to be powered by the same 105PS 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as the current-gen Vitara Brezza. A 1.4-liter turbo-petrol engine (127PS/235Nm) along with Suzuki’s mild-hybrid technology could also be on the cards.
3. Kia Carens
Revealed a few weeks ago, the Kia Carens is likely to be launched in early 2022. Unofficial bookings for the recreational vehicle (RV) have already been commenced for a token amount of up to Rs 25,000.
Based on the same platform as the Hyundai Alcazar, the Kia Carens will be longer than its sibling rival. In fact, at 2680mm, its wheelbase is the largest in its category.
The Carens has debuted Kia's latest design language in India. Unlike the Creta-Alcazar duo, the Carens has a completely different design from the Seltos SUV. It also gets a host of segment-first features like roof-mounted rear AC vents, electrically folding second-row seats, standard 6-airbags, etc. Expect Kia to price the Carens from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.
Also Read: Kia Carens Vs Hyundai Alcazar: Key Difference
4. Citroen C3
In September this year, the French carmaker Citroen revealed its second offering for the Indian market, the C3 sub-4-meter crossover. It seems like a budget model that will go up against the Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger.
The Citroen C3 is based on the CMP modular platform that will also underpin the Jeep's upcoming sub-4m offering. It looks like a smaller version of the C5 Aircross and will get various factory-customization options. Head here to know more about the upcoming crossover.
5. Next-Gen Maruti Vitara Brezza
Launched in 2016, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is due for a generation update in 2022. Images of the upgraded model are already on the web, and it looks quite promising. In fact, it could also become the first Maruti to offer a factory-fitted sunroof. It will also get new dual-barrel projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lamps, a floating touchscreen infotainment system, sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, paddle shifters, and lane watch assistant or a 360-surround view system.
6. Facelifted Maruti Baleno
Maruti Suzuki has a slew of new launches for 2022, including the facelifted Baleno. Recently, it was also spied completely undisguised, thus, revealing its updated exterior and interior. Expect Maruti to launch it by mid-2022.
7. Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus
The Volkswagen-Skoda duo is all set to replace their aging Vento and Rapid compact sedans with more premium Virtus and Slavia in 2022. While the Skoda Slavia is slated to be launched in the first quarter of the upcoming year, the Virtus could hit the showrooms by mid-2022. Bookings for Skoda's three-box vehicle have already begun for a token amount of Rs 11,000. It will be available in three trims (Active, Ambition, and Style), and will share its underpinnings & powertrain options with the Kushaq SUV. Click here for variant-wise engine & gearbox options of the upcoming Skoda Slavia.
When launched, both the mid-size sedans will lock horns with the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City, Hyundai Verna, and the upcoming Toyota Belta (rebadged Ciaz).
8. Facelifted Hyundai Creta
Unveiled at the 2021 GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), Hyundai could launch the facelifted Creta in India sometime in 2022. It has received a host of cosmetical changes (inspired from the new-gen Tucson) and cutting-edge features like hidden-type daytime running lamps (DRLs), multiple drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport), blind-spot monitoring, and Advanced Driver Assistance System that further comprises various active safety techs such as autonomous emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, driver attention monitoring, etc.
9. Upgraded Tata Nexon EV
Tata is reportedly working on the upgraded Nexon EV that is likely to come in the first half of 2022 with a new battery pack of 40kWh that will deliver a range of over 400km, making it slightly capable for long highway trips. It could also receive a few visual changes, and selectable modes for regenerative braking to adjust its intensity in order to improve range. Expect it to be around Rs 3 lakh costlier than the ongoing model that currently retails from Rs 14.24 lakh to Rs 16.85 lakh (ex-showroom).
Also Read: Tata Motors Forms New Subsidiary For Electric And Hybrid Vehicles
10. Jeep Meridian (Commander)
American automaker Jeep will launch a three-row SUV in India next year that is likely to be called ''Meridian''. It will be based on the global-spec Jeep Commander. It shares its design cues with the Compass and all-new Grand Cherokee. It is likely to be offered in both 6-and 7-seat layouts.
