Weekly Car News Fix: Car Launches, April Price Hikes, Leaked Images, Name Reveals, Launch Timelines And More

The week before Holi has seen a lot of action, from launches and leaked images to possible names for upcoming cars and future plans. There’s even a new player in the electric SUV category that will go head to head with the Mercedes-Benz EQC. Read on to check out the events of this week:

Launches

Jaguar I-Pace

Jaguar has entered the electric luxury SUV space with the I-Pace. It is priced from Rs 1.06 crore to Rs 1.12 crore (ex-showroom) and comes in three variants: S, SE, and HSE. Its twin motors develop 400PS and 696Nm, helping the I-Pace go from 0-100 kmph in just 4.8 seconds. Jaguar’s e-SUV can go 470km (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure WLTP-claimed) on a single charge. For more details on this Mercedes-Benz EQC-rivalling EV, head here.

Audi S5 Sportback

Audi has launched the facelifted version of its four-door coupe answer to the Mercedes-AMG C43 and the BMW M340i. The S5 Sportback gets updates to the front, new alloys, and revised LED lighting. It can go from 0-100kmph in 4.8 seconds and retails for Rs 79.06 lakh (ex-showroom). Head here for all other details.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 220i Sport 

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

BMW has launched a more affordable petrol variant of the 2 Series Gran Coupe. The Sport petrol variant is priced at Rs 37.90 lakh (ex-showroom), Rs 2.5 lakh cheaper than the diesel base variant and Rs 3 lakh more affordable than the range-topping M Sport petrol variant. Check it out here.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine

Mercedes-Benz has launched its latest entry-level sedan at Rs 39.90 lakh. The A-Class Limousine comes in two variants, standard and AMG A35, and is loaded to the brim with features such as connected car tech, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a dual-screen setup. Check out the new A-Class Limousine here.

Future Launches And Reveals

Facelifted VW Tiguan

Volkswagen has announced its fourth SUV as part of its business plan to arrive in India. The Tiguan will make a comeback in India in its facelifted avatar by May 2021. However, this time around, the five-seater SUV will be a petrol-only offering powered by VW’s 2.0-litre TSI engine. For more details, head here.

VW Vento Replacement

Volkswagen’s replacement for the Vento is set to arrive in the first quarter of 2022. It will be bigger and pricier than the current Vento and could be called the Virtus. It will be powered by 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines like the upcoming Taigun. Head here for more details on the Vento’s replacement.

Skoda Kushaq

Skoda has revealed the launch timeline for its upcoming SUV, the Kushaq. Skoda’s first made-in-India SUV will take on segment heavyweights, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The Kushaq will be open for bookings from June and deliveries the month after. You can read more about the Kushaq here.

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz will reveal its flagship electric sedan on April 15. With a targeted range of over 700km, the EQS aims to take on the Tesla Model S and Audi e-tron GT. It will be powered by a 108kWh battery pack. The platform it is based on can support up to 680PS of power. Take a look at all the details of the EQS here.

Leaks

Leaked images of the Hyundai Alcazar and the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace have given us a glimpse of what to expect from the two upcoming cars. While there is still time for the facelifted Tiguan Allspace (2022), the debut of the Creta-based 7-seater SUV is right around the corner. Leaked images show 3D models of the Alcazar, giving us a clearer picture of the SUV’s design. Take a look at the Alcazar's design here.

Leaked images of the 2022 Tiguan Allspace reveal it will get a facelift with design changes similar to the updates seen in the five-seater Tiguan, which was updated in 2020. Take a look at what the 2022 Tiguan Allspace could look like here.

Price Hikes

Carmakers Maruti Suzuki, Renault, Ford and Nissan have all announced a price hike across their lineups citing rising input costs. The price hikes will be effective from April. As far as Nissan is concerned, all models under Nissan and Datsun will be affected, including the Magnite which will see its third price hike since its launch in December 2020.