The first month of the new financial year is going to be very busy for the automotive sector with a slew of launches and unveils as well as some updates to existing models. Here’s a run-through of all the cars to watch out for the ongoing month: –
1. Hyundai Alcazar
The most awaited car of the month is the Hyundai Alcazar, which is scheduled to be showcased on 6th April 2021, followed by its launch in the coming days. It is essentially a three-row version of the Hyundai Creta that will be available in both 6-and 7-seater layouts. Compared to its 5-seater counterpart, the upcoming Alcazar SUV will be slightly bigger and will also get distinctive design elements to differentiate it from its younger sibling. The SUV might be available with three engine options – 1.4-litre turbo petrol, 1.5-liter diesel, and 2.0-liter petrol (borrowing from the Elantra). Once launched, it will rival the likes of Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus. Interested customers can book it unofficially for a token amount of Rs 50,000.
2. Kia Seltos Gravity Edition
Kia has already announced to do something 'big' on 27th April. And the latest teaser image from the brand suggests the debut of Seltos Gravity Edition in the Indian market. Already available in the South Korean market, this edition comes with several cosmetic updates such as redesigned chrome studded front grille, silver finishing on the ORVMs, new 18-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear skid plate, and a grey-black interior theme.
It also gets more advanced safety features over the regular model like a forward collision prevention assistance system and a rear passenger notification system, which notifies the driver about passengers exiting the vehicle from the back row. With the launch of Gravity Edition, the brand could also debut its new logo in India.
3. Citroen C5 Aircross
French automaker Citroen is all set to launch its first offering for India, the C5 Aircross. It will go on sale on 7th April 2021. Pre-launch bookings are already underway for the premium SUV for a token amount of Rs 50,000. Offered in two variants (Feel and Shine), it will be powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine (177PS/400Nm) mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Key features onboard include an automatic LED projector headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital dials, dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents, auto wipers, powered driver seat, manually adjustable front passenger seat, cruise control with limiter & memory settings, park assist (automatic parking guidance for bay parking & parallel parking), five driving modes, an idle start/stop function, 6 airbags, ESC, traction control, blind-spot monitoring system, coffee break alert, grip control, and many more. You can find out the variant-wise features over here. Expect it to be priced around Rs 28 lakh (ex-showroom).
4. Skoda Kodiaq Facelift
Skoda Auto will unveil the facelifted Kodiaq on 13th April 2021, with its expected launch around the festive season in the Indian market. Compared to the previous model, it is likely to get several cosmetic updates as well as the addition of a few new features. However, the biggest change will lie under the hood as it is likely to get a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine (190PS/320Nm) instead of the 2.0-liter diesel unit (150PS/340Nm).
5. Volkswagen Tiguan Facelift
Volkswagen has recently revealed the facelifted Tiguan. It is likely to be launched by the end of this month. Similar to the Skoda Kodiaq Facelift, the 2021 Tiguan will also get some cosmetic upgrades, new features, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine.
6. 2021 Skoda Octavia
The all-new Skoda Octavia (4th gen) is all set to hit the Indian dealerships pretty soon. It will get a redesigned exterior and interior with an added set of features such as a 10.25-inches Virtual-Cockpit digital instrumentation cluster, 10-inch free-standing infotainment system with connected car technology, three-zone climate control, heads-up display, wireless smartphone charger, and also a digital assistant named ‘Laura’. It will also be bigger than the ongoing model.
The new Octavia is likely to come with two turbocharged petrol engine options – a 150PS 1.5-litre TSI paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 190PS 2.0-litre TSI which is likely to come paired up with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
7. Mahindra TUV300 Facelift (Bolero Neo)
Mahindra had discontinued the TUV300 SUV last year due to the implementation of stricter BS6 emission. Now, it is ready to make a comeback in a facelifted avatar with slightly updated styling and new features onboard. However, this time, the brand could name it Bolero Neo. It is expected to be unveiled by the end of this month.
8. BMW 6 Series GT Facelift
Globally unveiled last year, BMW will finally launch the facelifted 6 Series GT on 8th April 2021 in the Indian market. The luxurious sedan will get a revised front facia and more features. The notable design changes will include a wider front grille, revised bumpers, new LED headlamps and taillamps, and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, etc. Powertrain options are expected to retain the same as the previous model, including 3.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre & 3.0-litre diesel engines.
9. Kia Sonet 7-seater
Kia Motor is going to unveil the 7-seater version of the Sonet SUV on 8th April, albeit in an MPV avatar. It is likely to be launched in Indonesia first. While there is no official confirmation about its India launch, we believe it to come to our shore sometime later this year.
10. BS6 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
The BS6 iteration of the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross pickup truck has started reaching dealerships, suggesting that the launch is just around the corner. It is unlikely to get any major design update, save for the BS6 emission norm compliant 1.9-liter diesel engine. It is expected to ditch the older 2.5-liter CI unit.
