Hopefully the new year will have a lot more positive news than then that just went by and that’s why manufactures have major car launches planed for 2021. Here’s a list of cars that are headed our way this month.
1 – 2021 Audi A4
Launch date: 5 January 2021
Audi India begin the new year by introducing the facelift version one of their most popular models in India – the Audi A4. If you recall, the older model was discontinued around March 2020 when the more stringent BS6 emission norms were implemented. Audi India have been teasing the car across their social media channels and we can see that the car has received some styling updates along with a more impressive features list including a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. (Also Read: Audi A4 Launched in India)
Probably the most prominent update on the 2021 Audi A4 facelift is the new 190 hp, 2.0-litre TFSI turbo-petrol engine mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission, which replaces the 150 hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol. This luxury sedan will take on arch rivals like the the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Jaguar XE Volvo S60 and BMW 3 Series, and is priced from Rs 42.34 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.
2- 2021 Toyota Fortuner
Launch date: 6 January 2021
The Toyota Fortuner is one of the most sought after SUVs offering three rows of seats and now this popular model is set to get an update. The 2021 Toyota Fortuner facelift receives design makeover and, as expected, some new features to make it an even more compelling option. The entire front design gets a major overhaul with a fresh new face and LED lighting. The cabin will also receive some nips and tucks, including a new eight-inch touchscreen, JBL music system and the convenience of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mechanically there won’t be any major changes and the 2021 Toyota Fortuner will be offered with a 2.7-litre petrol mill and a 2.8-litre diesel engines, with prices starting at Rs 29.98 lakh (ex-showroom).
Toyota Fortuner Legender: The other interesting news from the Japanese stable is that the company will be introducing a sportier variant called the Toyota Fortuner Legender. This will also be the most premium and also the most powerful Fortuner variant and will receive distinct accents to give it a more aerodynamic styling and will come equipped with some more features. The key components would be larger infotainment system, 20-inch alloy wheels (the standard model will run on 18-inch alloys) and will initially be made available in the two-wheel-drive manual transmission version only.
3 – 2021 Jeep Compass
Unveil date: 7 January 2021
Come 7 January, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) India have unveiled a heavily updated Jeep Compass for 2021. Report has it that the price of the Compass facelift is expected to be announced on the 23 January. Changes on the new model will include sharper LED headlamps, new bumpers, revised front grille and air dams, new tail-lamps and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. The cabin of the 2021 Jeep Compass also gets a major revamped including a new steering wheel and redesigned dashboard which will be offered in dual-tone and full black combinations in leather and fabric upholstery, depending on the selection of trim and variant.
Keeping up with competition, the America SUV will now boast of a digital driver’s console, a slick 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment with connected car features. New bits also include a 360-degree camera option. No changes on the powertrain front and the trusted the 2.0 litre turbo-diesel and the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol continue to be offered as an option. Like everything in life the 2021 Jeep Compass is expected to be more expensive than before, and will continue to battle it out with MG Hector, Tata Harrier and Ford Endeavour.
4 – MG Hector Facelift and Hector Seven-Seater
Launch date: 7 January 2021
The MG Hector has got off to a good start in India and the “Internet Inside” SUV is already available in two versions – the standard five seater and the recently introduced Hector Plus six-seater. Now the British brand has given the standard, five-seater Hector a makeover with refreshed exterior and interior styling. The 2021 MG Hector facelift gets some cosmetic updates including Thermopressed chrome
front grille, dual-tone colour scheme, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels (the older MG Hector sported 17-inch wheels). The already exhaustive features gets a couple of more additions such as ventilated
seats, wireless charging, auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror and industry-first Hinglish voice commands.
The 2021 MG Hector will continue to be offered with three engine options – a 143 hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol; a 143 hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid; and a 170 hp 2.0-litre diesel engine. As before a six-speed manual gearbox will be offered across the range, while and a six-speed DCT will be offered as an option with the petrol engine. As before, the MG Hector will remains aggressively priced with base petrol variant starting at Rs 12.89 lakh, while the top-of-the-line diesel version costs Rs 18.33 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom).
Hector Plus Seven-seater: The British brand also introduced a seven seat version of the Hector Plus which has three rows with two-three-two seat arrangement with bench-type seats in the middle to accommodate three adults, while the third row is better suited for kids. The new Hector Plus seven-seater will sport a panoramic sunroof and new 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. The powertrain options remain the same — a 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. The new version is available in Style, Super, Smart, and a new Select trim level, with starting price of Rs 13.34 lakhs (ex-showroom) making it more affordable than the Hector six-seater.
5 – Tata Altroz iTurbo DCT
Launch date: 13 Jan 2021
There’s a new version of the Tata iAltroz in the pipeline that will carry the sporty ‘Turbo’ badge. Currently, Tata’s premium hatchback is offered with a 86-hp, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol motor and a 90-hp, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder oil-burner. The new Tata Altroz iTurbo is expected to come with a spirited 1.2-litre turbo-petrol that churns out 110 hp at 5,500 rpm and 150 Nm of torque between 1,500-5,500 rpm mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. In the near future, buyer might be offered a DCT option also. There won’t be any major changes in terms of design and features, apart from the new, variant-specific Marina Blue body colour option. Obviously, there will be ‘Turbo’ branding on the exterior and interior of the car to set it apart from its siblings. The Tata Altroz iTurbo is pointing its gun straight at the new Hyundai i20 Turbo.
6 – BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine
Launch date: 21 January 2021
Luxury car buyers in India can’t get enough of long-wheelbase models and BMW India have given them yet another reason to rejoice by bring the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine to our shores. The stretched 3 Series is expected to be launched in India on 21 January and will surely be even more popular than before. The new BMW 3 Series L has a 110 mm longer wheelbase and is 120 mm longer than before, helping it carve out good knee room for rear seat passengers.
The two versions to choose from are the 320Ld and 330Li which come with a 190-hp, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and a 258-hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol respectively. Since the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine bridges the gap between the standard 3 Series and the 5 Series, we expect it to demand a slight premium with an asking price of about Rs 50 lakh onwards.
7 – Tata Safari (Gravitas)
Launch/Unveil date: 26 January 2021
This Republic Day, the Indian automobile major will be pulling the wraps off the production version of the Gravitas concept which has been christened Tata Safari. The car-maker is reviving the popular Safari brand with their new flagship SUV and hope it to instil feeling of nostalgia in buyers. You will recall that the Tata Gravitas concept was unveiled during the Auto Expo 2020 and it did manage to impress the crowd. The big attraction on the 2021 Tata Safari, of course, is the extra row of seats that can accommodate up to seven people. Based on the Harrier platform, this new seven-seater will also borrow the powertrain from the five-seater SUV. Under than bonnet will be the familiar 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that makes 170 hp and 350 Nm and will be offered with the option of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. In terms of features, the seven-seater Tata Safari will come packed with driving modes, a large touchscreen along with a host of other new-age features. Expected to be priced between Rs 15-22 lakh, it would make the new Tata Safari about Rs 2 lakh more expensive than the Tata Harrier.
