6 upcoming cars in the Indian market in 2022

|THE DEN|

The Indian Automotive Industry will be getting new additions from almost all big car makers. After the successful launch of the Skoda Slavia, the new Maruti Baleno and the Toyota Hilux, what more could 2022 have in store for us? Let’s check it out.

Volkswagen Virtus

Volkswagen debuted its astonishing product for the Indian market - VW Virtus, the all-new global sedan - when the curtains opened on March 8, 2022, amidst dizzying levels of anticipation and great expectations. The prices were not revealed but the car will come in only two trims and both get decent kit.

The new Virtus, the newest member of the Volkswagen family and the newest entrant in the premium midsize sedan sector, exemplifies German built excellence, is striking, and will renew the segment while reigniting buyers' enthusiasm for sedans.

The Volkswagen Virtus is the second product to be created as part of the India 2.0 project, and it is based on the MQB AO IN platform with up to 95% localization. Because of the platform's versatility, the New Virtus is the segment's longest car (4,561 mm), with enough of cabin and boot capacity (521 litres) for customers. Its large shape allows it to encapsulate a dynamic and expressive design language while displaying the confidence of a market leader.

The New Virtus will be offered with a 1.5l TSI EVO engine with Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) and a 1.01 TSI engine with Idle Start/Stop, as well as a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic torque converter, or 7-speed DSG transmission.

The New Virtus comes standard with a 20.32-inch digital cockpit, a 25.65-inch large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless App Connect. The Virus also gets keyless entry and engine start, an electric sunroof, smart-touch Climatronic AC, 8-speakers with immersive sound, wireless mobile charging, front ventilated leather seats, and more.

The Volkswagen brand is linked with safety. As a result, the New Virtus comes with more than 40 active and passive safety features. The sedan comes with up to six airbags, ESC, multi- collision brakes, hill-hold control, seamlessly integrated LED headlights with LED DRLs, ISOFIX, three rear headrests, tyre pressure deflation warning, and a rearview camera, among other features.

Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson will have a bold new design that looks poised to shake up the mid-size SUV industry, as seen by the Vision T concept at the 2019 LA auto show. The Tucson is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine in the United States, but we're interested to see what it will be fueled by in India.

Hyundai's SUV will be priced under 40 lakhs and would include a number of segment-first features. The Hyundai Tucson combines the most popular design aspects from nearly every other vehicle on the market into a single package.

The massive cascading grille at the front resembles that of a Mercedes EQC, and the front quarter panel strakes on either side appear to have been ripped straight from a Bentley Flying Spur. Inside, Heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, and a 10.3-inch digital dashboard display are among the features that are expected to come standard.

The new Tucson's dashboard is simple yet modern, with a digital gauge display, a push-button shifter, and a touch- sensitive climate-control and entertainment control panel. The 2022 Tucson's baggage room and back seat space are both greater than the preceding model, enhancing passenger comfort and convenience.

A basic 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is integrated into the dashboard; a bigger 10.3-inch screen with built-in navigation will be available. Hyundai's digital key smartphone app, which includes lock and unlock functions as well as a remote start option, is another high-tech choice.

A 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automated transmission and front- or all-wheel drive will be standard. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that Hyundai claims produces 227 horsepower in the former and 261 horsepower in the latter; all-wheel drive is standard with the electrified powertrains, and both come with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Mahindra Scorpio

Several times over the last few years, the much-anticipated new Mahindra Scorpio has been observed undergoing testing. We saw the SUV's interior for the first time in 2019, although it didn't give many specifics at the time. The excitement for this SUV hasn't worn down yet, and it's set to debut in the first half of 2022.

The 2022 Scorpio is a completely new vehicle with all new underpinnings. In fact, since its launch in 2002, this will be the first time the Scorpio has seen a complete model overhaul. While the boxy and upright shape remains the same, all of the body panels are brand new.

In keeping with the new Mahindra design language, the interiors of the 2022 Mahindra Scorpio are set to receive a significant update. The interiors will be equipped with numerous features and will have a more refined feel than the present Scorpio. The premium variants of the car are expected to come with an all-digital driver's instrument cluster as well as a sunroof.

Safety technology will be abundant in the Scorpio, with the car receiving all of the fundamental and vital safety equipment that the current Scorpio lacks. It may also receive ADAS in the top-of-the-line models. The New Mahindra Scorpio will also improve passenger space, giving rear-seat occupants additional space and comfort, as well as extra legroom in the last row.

Mahindra will provide two engine options for the upcoming Scorpio generation. A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with direct injection and a 2.2-litre diesel engine would be available. Both engines are already in use on the Thar and the XUV700, and are well-known for their refinement and power output.

On higher models, the diesel engine will also have a 4WD drivetrain. There would be terrain and driving modes available. The engine and transmission have been carefully adjusted for a comfortable ride. Even in the 4 High and 4 Low modes when employing the 4x4 system, the 2022 Scorpio scored highly in terms of driveability. With a projected ex-showroom price of 11-20 lakhs, we expect to see the Scorpio on Indian roads very soon.

Kia Carnival

The Carnival's upscale-SUV atmosphere is reminiscent of a Range Rover, thanks to its large wheels, crossover-like dimensions, and characteristic daytime running lights that flow into the grille. The new Carnival looks excellent on paper and in person, but because India is still getting the older model, we expect a debut from Kia soon, and this will undoubtedly be one of the best cars to be released in 2022.

The 2022 Kia Carnival is longer, broader, taller, and more spacious than the present India-spec vehicle. The current Carnival is 5115mm long, 1985mm wide, and 1755mm tall, while the upcoming Carnival is 5155mm long, 1995mm wide, and 1775mm tall. The new model has a 3090mm wheelbase, which is 30mm longer than the current Indian model.

The new Kia Carnival 2022 is available with three engine options worldwide: a 3.5L V6 MPi petrol engine, a new 2.2L Smartstream engine, and a 3.5L GDi V6 Smartstream engine (top-end variants only). The 3.5L petrol engine produces 268bhp and 332Nm of torque, while the 2.2L and 3.5L Smartstream engines provide 290bhp and 355Nm of torque and 199bhp and 440Nm of torque, respectively. The new- generation Carnival in India is expected to use the same 2.2L diesel engine that produces 200bhp and 440Nm.

The new Kia Carnival 2022 is available with three engine options worldwide: a 3.5L V6 MPi petrol engine, a new 2.2L Smartstream engine, and a 3.5L GDi V6 Smartstream engine (top-end variants only). The 3.5L petrol engine produces 268bhp and 332Nm of torque, while the 2.2L and 3.5L Smartstream engines provide 290bhp and 355Nm of torque and 199bhp and 440Nm of torque, respectively. The new- generation Carnival in India is expected to use the same 2.2L diesel engine that produces 200bhp and 440Nm.

The dashboard and front-seat section of the Carnival are both more modern and welcoming than the previous model. Design upgrades include a larger centre console and an optional Mercedes-style dual-screen infotainment system with a digital gauge display. Leather upholstery and reclining second-row seats with pop-up footrests are standard on the expensive SX- Prestige grade. A panoramic sunroof is available as an option, and it opens up a big aperture over the second row, allowing passengers to catch some fresh air.

The new Carnival's internal space has been enhanced, according to Kia, with the wheelbase and overall length of the van being enlarged to provide more capacity for people and baggage. The new carnival is likely to cost between 25 and 40 lakhs ex-showroom, which is a significant upgrade over the previous model.

Citroen C3

The Citroen C3 is a supermini from a French company doing what it does best: creating a car that catches your eye whether you're walking or driving by. If you're looking for a well-built automobile on a budget, this compact SUV has fantastic looks and will undoubtedly please you. Expected to be launched under 6 lakhs ex-showroom, let’s see if the Citroen sells!

Inside, the outside style is replicated, with a rectangular motif and leather-effect door knobs that appear better than the moulded ones found in other tiny cars. On top-spec vehicles, Citroen offers two interior themes: Techwood and Emerald, which can be customised.

The distinctive shape of the new C3, which is defined by the high position of the bonnet and a front end built to accentuate the perception of breadth, immediately reveals the car's particular personality. The design emanates strength, as well as sophisticated, prestigious lines that are alive with vigour.

However, the infotainment system comes with only one option. It doesn't have the best-looking or fastest touchscreen in its class, but it does come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Aimed at the budget segment the C3 will also get a rich and premium interior feel to help this car stand out from its competition.

Because its door bins are large and it has a number of smaller storage places, the Citroen C3's interior cubbies are only let down by the short glovebox. The 300-litre boot is also adequate for a vehicle of this size. It can easily fit a stroller or a couple of larger luggage.

The front seats of the Citroen C3 feel like one side of a large, comfortable sofa, which helps to make lengthy drives more bearable. They complement the Citroen's soft suspension and quiet cabin nicely. On the other hand, it doesn't feel quite right on winding country roads. The Citroen C3 comes with two petrol engines and either a manual or automatic transmission. The petrols use the same 1.2-litre PureTech engine, but are modified to produce 82 or 110 horsepower.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

The Maruti Brezza has made waves in India since it is the first Maruti Suzuki model to include a factory-installed electric sunroof. It's possible that we'll see it in person shortly. According to sources, the Maruti Brezza 2022 might be released as early as June. We'd seen some photographs of it before, and the production-spec variant appeared to be complete.

Maruti has already introduced the new-generation Baleno, as well as extensively updated versions of the Ertiga and XL6, as well as a small facelift for the WagonR. To combat market rivalry, Maruti is introducing new models for many of its popular products this year. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is no exception; this suv will receive a much-needed facelift this year, removing everything that is outdated about it.

The all-new Brezza will get a new front grille and twin-pod projector LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs. The front and back bumpers will be replaced as well. A new fog light assembly and a faux skid plate will be added to the SUV. The current alloy wheels will be replaced with modern designed ones. Redesigned taillamps will be added to the back profile.

While the interior layout will remain unchanged, the new Maruti Brezza for 2022 will include some first-time innovations. One of the most noticeable upgrades will be a larger and updated 9.0-inch infotainment system that will most likely allow wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

According to reports, the tiny SUV will come standard with an electronic sunroof. The Maruti Brezza 2022 could be equipped with a Head-Up Display Unit, similar to the new Baleno. Wireless smartphone charging, innovative flat-bottom steering, connected car technology, and many other features are possible. According to Global NCAP, the new Maruti Brezza will get a top safety rating by 2022. Six airbags, hill descent and hill hold assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system are anticipated to be included in the SUV's new model.

The new Maruti Brezza 2022 will be powered by an improved 1.5L K15C naturally aspirated petrol engine with 103bhp and 137Nm of torque. The old 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox will be replaced with a new 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The paddleshifters will be added to the package as well. A 5-speed manual transmission will remain standard equipment. The subcompact SUV is anticipated to get a CNG model with the generation update. We believe that this update will make the Brezza even more popular on the market.