According to the latest rumours, Mercedes-Benz is set to pull the plug on the A-Class in the US market after 2022. Meanwhile, the CLA will continue to be sold until 2023, before it receives a similar fate. This move will make the GLA SUV the most affordable Mercedes-Benz model in the US.
Maruti Suzuki offer the current version of the Baleno hatchback in 4 variants, namely Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. Sigma is the base variant while Alpha is the top-spec trim. However, we know that the new Baleno will get several new features, such as HUD, 6 airbags, ESP and connected car technology, over the current Baleno.
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota India are jointly developing a compact SUV to rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The upcoming SUVs from the two manufacturers are likely to go on sale later this year and they are expected to pack a strong hybrid powertrain.
Mahindra will soon launch the XUV700 AX7 Smart variant and it will sit below the top AX7L variant. The XUV700 AX7 Smart will lack some features seen on the AX7L. These features include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), knee airbag, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), electric door handles, telescopic steering, passive keyless entry, wireless charging, hill hold assist, hill descent control, drive modes, electric parking brake, and driver drowsiness detection.
When Maruti launch the 2022 Baleno later this month, we expect them to replace the hatchback’s CVT automatic transmission with a 5-speed AMT. This will help Maruti lower the cost of automatic variants of the new Baleno, as CVTs are comparatively an expensive technology than AMT. However, they will be the first carmaker in India to give their premium hatchback an AMT auto transmission.
Audi have taken the Q2 off the shelves globally. Audi’s spokesperson confirmed that the German carmaker is not looking forward to a second-generation model of the Q2. In addition to that, Audi have also pulled the plug on the A1 supermini which was on sale in international markets. Going forward, Audi will place their focus on bigger products that return higher profits.
Skoda India have started rolling out the Slavia to their dealerships, ahead of its launch later this month. The Czech carmaker has been accepting bookings for the upcoming C-segment sedan since November 2021. Meanwhile, test drives are expected to begin post launch.
Mahindra & Mahindra have deleted the 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels from the XUV300 range. The new XUV300 W8+ now gets 16-inch single-tone alloy wheels. It’s not the first time Mahindra have removed features from the XUV300. The homegrown SUV maker has deleted features such as heated ORVMs, knee airbag, and three-pointed seat belt for the middle passenger in the past.
Maruti Suzuki have released another teaser for the upcoming Baleno facelift. This time, it reveals a new touchscreen infotainment system. The touchscreen seen on the teaser video is a 9-inch free-standing unit placed at the top of the dashboard. The new Baleno will also feature Arkamys surround sound system in the top-spec variants.
Volkswagen India have started to export the T-Cross from India. The T-Cross is nothing but a rebranded Taigun, making it the first global VW model to be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. However, it gets a panoramic sunroof, whereas the Taigun gets the regular-sized electric sunroof. Volkswagen India manufacture the T-Cross in India and exports it to Mexico. The German carmaker has stated that it has exported 1,232 units of T-Cross in the first phase.
MG Motor India have revealed a few features of the upcoming 2022 ZS EV facelift. Apart from the redesigned exterior and refreshed interior, the facelift also gets rear AC vents, a headrest for the third passenger, and a rear armrest with cup holders. MG Motor India will launch the ZS EV facelift in February and we expect official bookings to open soon.
Skoda India have revealed the launch timelines of the Slavia. Skoda will announce the price of the Slavia 1.0L TSI on February 28th. The launch of the 1.5L TSI will take place on March 3rd. Customer test drives and deliveries will begin soon after the launch of the respective engine options.
While Maruti Suzuki are expected to launch the new Baleno on February 23rd, Toyota are likely to launch the updated Glanza in March. While it will closely resemble the new Baleno in terms of design and features, we expect Toyota to make it more distinctive this time.
The Hyundai Venue facelift has been spotted on Indian roads for the first time. Hyundai have been testing the Venue facelift in South Korea but recently, a publication spotted a test car near Hyundai’s manufacturing facility in Chennai. While the test car was covered in camouflage, it is possible to make out some details from the images. Hyundai could launch the Venue facelift in India later this year.
Mahindra have updated the Bolero to comply with the government’s latest safety norms by giving it dual front airbags as standard. Earlier, the Bolero only had a driver airbag as part of its standard equipment list. The addition of a front passenger airbag has resulted in a price hike of Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 16,000, depending on the variant. The prices of the MY2022 Mahindra Bolero now start at Rs. 8.85 lakh.
Tata Motors have extended the Altroz Dark edition range with the launch of the XT and XZ+ variants. Earlier, the Altroz Dark Edition was only available with the top XZ+ petrol variant. Now, Tata Motors are offering the Altroz Dark with XT 1.2L normal petrol and XZ+ 1.5 diesel as well to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the hatchback. Tata Altroz Dark Edition range now starts from Rs. 7.96 lakh (ex-showroom).
Maruti Suzuki have released a new teaser video for the 2022 Baleno. This time around, we get to see the design of the 2022 Baleno’s tail lamp cluster. As we can see in the image, the 2022 Baleno will get C-shaped split LED taillamps. A chrome element can also be seen on the longer end of the taillamp cluster. In addition to that, the image also reveals tri-square LED elements, which may also double up as brake lights.
Skoda India have discontinued the Kushaq’s Style variant with 2 airbags. The Kushaq Style now offers 6 airbags as standard. Skoda India launched the Kushaq Style with 6 airbags in November with an incremental cost of Rs. 40,000 over the Style variant with 2 airbags. Since then, Skoda India have hiked the prices of the MY2022 Kushaq by up to Rs. 50,000.
Maruti Suzuki is set to launch the updated WagonR soon. Sources aware of the development tell us that apart from the various cosmetic updates, the car’s colour palette will also see the addition of a dual-tone paint scheme.
Rolls Royce recently unveiled the redesigned Spirit of Ecstasy, which will take pride of place on the bonnet of all their future EVs. The redesigned figurine will first make its appearance on the company’s upcoming EV, the Spectre. Rolls-Royce have said that redesigning the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy has helped them achieve a drag coefficient of 0.26 for the all-electric Rolls-Royce prototype.
Maruti Suzuki will offer a 5-speed AMT gearbox with the 2022 Baleno. The earlier CVT transmission may not continue with the 2022 model. This move will help the Japanese carmaker to reduce the gap between the manual and automatic variants of the 2022 Baleno.
MG Motor will reveal an all-new, electric hatchback at the 2022 Beijing Motor Show. It could replace the MG 3 EV in global markets. With the expected launch timeline of 2023 for the global markets, MG Motor India have no plans to introduce this model to the Indian market. Instead, MG Motor India are working on a new electric crossover that will sit below the ZS EV.
Tata Motors are likely to launch the Altroz automatic in late 2022. Due to the chip shortage, the launch could be pushed to late 2022 from the earlier timeline of mid-2022. It remains to be seen whether Tata Motors use the rumoured DCT transmission or a CVT automatic transmission.
