The year 2021 witnessed a slew of new launches as well as several facelifts and minor updates. Here are the top 5 cars and SUVs launched under Rs 20 lakh that we loved the most: –
Also Read: The Top 10 New Cars And SUVs To Watch Out In 2022
5. Hyundai i20 N-Line
Hyundai had finally introduced its N-line brand in India with the hot-hatch i20 that got sportier cosmetic bits both inside and outside, followed by a stiffer suspension setup, a sporty exhaust note, and all four-disc brakes. The hottest hatchback is available in two trims – N6 and N8, which are currently priced between Rs 9.84 lakh to Rs 11.90 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Hyundai i20 N-Line gets the segment's most powerful 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that is good for 120PS and 175Nm of peak torque, paired with either a 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual) or a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission). In the Indian market, it locks horns with the Volkswagen Polo GT and Tata Altroz Turbo.
4. Tata Punch
In November this year, Tata had launched its first-ever micro-SUV, the Punch. The smallest Tata SUV attracted the highest pre-launch bookings in the entire product portfolio of the brand, smashing all the records. It arrived at a slightly high price point (Rs 5.49 lakh to Rs 9.09 lakh) but still got immense love from the buyers. Currently, its waiting period is stretching up to 8 months and still, the booking numbers are rising.
The Punch comes with a sole 86PS 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, mated to 5-speed manual and AMT transmissions. It could soon receive diesel and turbocharged petrol engines that will broaden its audience reach.
3. Volkswagen Taigun
Volkswagen entered the hotly contested mid-size SUV space with the highly localized Taigun. Despite launching months after the Skoda Kushaq, the German utility vehicle has received over 18,000 bookings, surpassing its Czech sibling with a decent margin. It gets the same 1.0-liter and 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engines as the Kushaq, making it the most powerful SUV of its category. It has a completely distinct design from the Kushaq that gives it a diverse identity. As of now, the Taigun is priced from Rs 10.54 lakh to Rs 17.54 lakh (ex-showroom).
2. MG Astor
Launched on October 11th, the MG Astor is one of the most feature-rich SUVs of its class. It gets a host of segment-first features like a personal AI assistant with a robot-head device, digital key, Car-as-a-Platform (CAAP) technology, and level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) with features such as advanced cruise control, forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure prevention, blind-spot detection, traffic sign recognition, speed assist, among others.
The SUV is available with a choice of two gasoline engines: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (110PS/140Nm) and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol (140PS/220Nm). While the naturally aspirated motor comes with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-step CVT, the turbocharged mill gets a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission as standard.
1. Mahindra XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 was the biggest launch of 2021. The first 50,000 units of the SUV were booked in just two days in a row between 7th and 8th October 2021, with 25000 bookings on each day. Offered in both 5 and 7-seater configurations, the spiritual successor of the XUV500 received a complete makeover with new engines and many premium features like twin-connected screen, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, connected car tech with Alexa voice assistant, powered driver's seat with memory function, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, white leather upholstery, high-beam assist, and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that further includes active safety techs like pilot-assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking, etc.
The XUV700 has also received a full 5-star crash test rating, making it the safest Indian car tested by the global NCAP under the #safercarsforindia campaign. It is available with a 200PS 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 185PS 2.2-liter diesel engine with the option of an automatic transmission as well.
It will soon be available in a 6-seater configuration as well, which will appeal to more buyers.
