Breaking the monotony, this year will see some important launches across all body styles – SUVs, hatchbacks, sedans and MPVs.
Following an eventful year, 2022 is going to see a ton of exciting new car launches in the mass-market segment. And while most new cars introduced last year were SUVs, 2022 will have something for every kind of buyer – from budget hatchbacks to premium sedans and, of course, more SUVs. Here is our list of the top 10 most exciting mass-market car launches over the next 12 months.
Upcoming SUVs launching in 2022
Mahindra Scorpio
After a blockbuster hit with the XUV700, Mahindra’s next big launch in India will be the all-new Scorpio. This will be the first major generation update on the Scorpio since it was introduced in 2002 and will be based on an updated ladder-frame chassis that also underpins the new Thar. The new Scorpio will boast of a completely new exterior design and is also expected to be larger than the outgoing model, although the familiar upright stance and boxy silhouette will be carried over.
The interior of the upcoming Scorpio will also be completely new, boasting a larger touchscreen, vertical AC vents, roof-mounted speakers and a more ergonomic design – switchgear can be shared with the XUV700. Under the hood, the new Scorpio will be powered by 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine and a 2.0-litre mStallion petrol engine. Top-spec variants could also come with an AWD system. The Scorpio is expected to launch in the first half of the year, and prices could largely overlap the XUV700.
Hyundai Creta facelift
While the current-gen Creta debuted in India only in March 2020, Hyundai has already introduced a facelift for the Creta in markets like Indonesia. The updated Creta gets quite a comprehensive cosmetic makeover, featuring Hyundai’s new ‘parametric grille’, also seen on the new-gen Tucson. It also gets a pair of completely new LED headlamps and new LED daytime running lamp signatures integrated within the grille. At the rear, the Creta facelift gets revised LED tail-lamps, a slightly revised boot lid and new bumpers as well.
On the inside, while the dashboard layout remains largely the same, the updated Creta sees the addition of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (as seen on the Alcazar), new BlueLink safety features, and Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) as well. Most of these features are expected to make it to the Indian model, when it is launched sometime in the latter half of the year. The Creta facelift will remain mechanically unchanged.
Maruti Suzuki 2022 BrezzaÂ
Maruti Suzuki is readying a slew of facelifts for launch this year, and the Vitara Brezza facelift is arguably one of the most important. The 2022 Brezza will get an all-new look, a more upmarket cabin and a features list that will finally be long enough to rival the likes of the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue. Apart from major styling changes to the front and rear fascia of the car, the 2022 Brezza will also get new body panels and sheet-metal changes.
The interior will be completely updated as well, featuring a new, higher quality dashboard, a new centre console and instrument panel and a new free-standing touchscreen. Plastic quality is also expected to be big step up over the current model. In terms of features, the heavily updated Brezza is expected to come with a sunroof, paddle shifters for the automatic gearbox, connected car features and much more. The underpinnings, however, will be carried over unchanged, along with the current 1.5-litre petrol engine.
Jeep Meridian
Jeep’s Meridian is the long-awaited three-row derivative of the Compass, and it is set to launch in India by mid-2022. In terms of design, while there are certain influences from the Compass, numerous elements of the more premium Grand Cherokee are also visible, like the slim LED headlights and tail-lights, as well as the window-line. Its increased length also becomes apparent, when viewed in profile, with the larger rear quarter glass and longer rear overhang compared to the Compass.
Inside, the dashboard follows the same design as the Compass, replete with the free-standing touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It is also expected to get features like cooled seats and a panoramic sunroof. Jeep has used more premium materials like metallic trim and suede fabric inserts to help the Meridian stand out. Under the hood, the Meridian is expected to be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with mild-hybrid tech and is expected to produce 200hp. The Meridian will be locally produced at Jeep’s Ranjangaon facility.
Upcoming hatchbacks launching in 2022
Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift
The very popular Baleno is another Maruti model that’s due to receive a comprehensive facelift this year. The new model has already been spied a few times, and from the pictures, we can tell that the new Baleno will feature a completely reworked front end and tweaks to the sheet metal for a refreshed overall styling. Cosmetic updates aside, the Baleno will also get a completely new interior, similar to the Vitara Brezza.
Some of the highlights include a larger, free-standing infotainment screen, new switchgear, steering wheel and many more features than the current model. The infotainment system is also expected to feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are, however, no major mechanical updates expected, which means it will continue with the current 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine and 90hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine with 12V mild-hybrid technology. Expected to launch in the first half of the year, the new Baleno will also see a step up in price.
Maruti Suzuki Alto
Maruti’s bread and butter model – the Alto – is expected to be replaced by an all-new third-generation model later this year. From test mules seen so far, the design of the new Alto is expected to be an evolution of the current model. While the test mules were heavily camouflaged, it did reveal a few styling elements like a clamshell bonnet with larger, upward-swooping headlamps, front bumper with an oversized mesh grille, a similar glass house and door design to the current model and more squarish tail-lamps at the rear.
The interior of the Alto is also expected to be updated with a new touchscreen for the higher-spec models, revised switchgear, new seats, steering wheel, instrument console and more. Under the hood, the Alto could continue with the tried and tested 796cc petrol engine, although it could also benefit from the 1.0-litre K10C engine seen on the new Celerio. We expect a market introduction of the new Alto only in the latter half of the year.
Citroen C3Â
Following the launch of the C5 Aircross last year, the Citroen C3 will be the French carmaker’s first mass-market car in India. The C3 is the first of three models under Citroen’s C-cubed programme, that has been specifically developed for emerging markets like India. The C3 will be locally manufactured with over 90 percent localisation. Best categorised as a cross-hatchback, the 3.98 meter C3 with its high ground clearance and bonnet, and an elevated driving position does have its appeal. Styling is typical Citroen – quirky and cool.
The quirky design theme continues on the inside as well, and while it will be equipped with features such as a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment and digital instrument cluster, the C3 saves some costs with features like manual air-conditioning, internal adjustments for the mirrors and single-piece front seat with integrated headrests. While Citroen hasn’t revealed the powertrain details yet, the C3 is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine in India. There won’t be any diesel engine on offer. Price announcement will take place in the first half of the year and we expect it to be priced similar to the Tata Punch and Maruti Ignis.
Upcoming sedans launching in 2022
Skoda Slavia
Following its unveiling late last year, the Skoda Slavia, which will be launched by March, is the second model from Skoda to use the localised MQB A0 IN platform. It’s also considerably larger than the now-discontinued Rapid and has the longest wheelbase in its class. In typical Skoda fashion, the Slavia is a handsome and sporty looking car. It has a low and wide stance with sharp character lines and muscular contours.
The Slavia will also be one of the most feature-rich sedans in the segment. Features like wireless charging, ‘My Skoda’ connected car tech, a new infotainment screen, ventilated seats, single-pane sunroof, a digital instrument cluster, and six airbags will all be part of the package.
Just like the Kushaq, the Skoda Slavia will be powered by two TSI turbo-petrols – a 115hp, 1.0-litre engine and a larger, 150hp, 1.5-litre unit – the latter is expected to offer segment-leading performance. While the 1.0 TSI will get a 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox option, the 1.5 TSI will get a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox.
Volkswagen Virtus
Image used for representation
Following the Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen too will replace the decade-old Vento with an all-new sedan based on the MQB A0 IN platform. The Virtus will be a sister model to the Skoda Slavia and, like the Slavia, it will be considerably larger than the model it replaces. This bodes well for the amount of cabin space the new sedan will have. And while the Virtus is already on sale in a few markets overseas, the India-spec model is expected to be slightly different in design and trim.
Volkswagen will equip the Virtus similar to the Taigun, so we can expect features like a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a full-digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, ventilated front seats and automatic headlights and wipers. Under the hood, the Virtus will also get the same 115hp, 1.0-litre TSI engine and the 150hp, 1.5-litre TSI engine, mated to the same gearboxes as the Taigun. Volkswagen is expected to unveil the Virtus in February, followed by a market introduction by April-end.
Upcoming MPVs launching in 2022
Kia Carens
The Carens, too, was unveiled back in December and will officially launch in the market by March. Kia does not call it either an MPV or an SUV, but it is essentially a three-row vehicle with the proportions of an MPV and styling elements from an SUV. The Carens is based on a stretched version of the Seltos platform and looks quite striking with a heavily sculpted face, smart-looking LED headlamps and tail-lamps and a clean profile.
In typical Kia fashion, the cabin of the Carens is well appointed and loaded with plenty of features. Some of the highlights include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, six airbags and more. Under the hood, the Carens will be powered by the 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol, the 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel and the 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engines. The Carens will be positioned between the Ertiga and the Innova Crsyta and will rival the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar, along with similarly priced SUVs in this segment.
Which new car launch are you looking forward to the most this year? Let us know in the comments below.
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