Over the next few weeks, the automotive calendar in India will be packed. The new Baleno and the eagerly anticipated Skoda Slavia will kick things off, followed by the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. The Jeep Compass Trailhawk will be reintroduced in a facelifted form, and the Toyota Hilux’s price will be announced.
We look more closely at all of the upcoming new car and SUV launches.
New Maruti Baleno – February 23
The 2022 model will be the first major redesign of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno since its introduction in 2015. It will feature completely revised exterior and interior styling. The new Baleno’s extensive feature list, which includes a 360-degree camera, heads-up display, six airbags, an updated SmartPro+ infotainment system, Alexa connectivity, and much more, is one of its main selling points. The Baleno will be powered by a single 90hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine (non-hybrid) with either a 5-speed manual or new AMT gearbox, which will replace the CVT unit from the outgoing model.
Skoda Slavia – February 28/March 5
The Slavia will be Skoda’s second vehicle to be built on the localized MQB-A0-IN platform, and it is hoped that it can revitalize the midsize sedan category. The Slavia, which was unveiled in November of last year, will be one of the largest sedans in its class, with plenty of interior room. It also has heated seats, a digital instrument cluster, wireless phone connectivity, six airbags, and other features. The Slavia will be powered by a pair of 110hp, 1.0-litre petrol engines and a pair of 150hp, 1.5-litre petrol engines, just as the Kushaq.
Volkswagen Virtus – March 8
The Volkswagen Virtus, essentially a Skoda Slavia sibling, will also be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform and will serve as a replacement for the 12-year-old Vento. The Virtus has already been on sale in South American markets, and the facelifted model will make its global debut in India. The Virtus, as a sister model to the Slavia, is expected to share some body panels and interior components with its Skoda sibling. It is also expected to be as big as the Slavia and much bigger than the current Vento. The Virtus is expected to be powered by the same powertrain options as well – the 110hp, 1.0-litre petrol and 150hp, 1.5-litre petrol engines.
Toyota Hilux – March 2022
The India-spec Hilux was revealed in January this year, with its value declaration currently scheduled for March. The Hilux will be collected here in India with SKD (semi-wrecked) units and will be accessible in two trims – Standard and High. The Hilux will be sold in a twofold taxi body style and is likewise a slight bit bigger than its just opponent on the lookout – the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. Gear levels will be at standard with the Fortuner. In the engine, the Hilux will be controlled by a sole 204hp, 2.8-liter, four-cylinder super diesel motor from the Fortuner. Transmission choices a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed force converter automatic gearbox with four-wheel drive as standard.
Jeep Compass Trailhawk
The Trailhawk is a rough off-road variation of the Compass that will accompany updates, for example, remarkable front and back guards for further developed methodology and flight points, some new styling emphasizes, another arrangement of compound haggles a superior four-wheel-drive framework. As in the past, the Trailhawk will probably sit on the Compass line-up and will come completely stacked with every one of the extravagant accessories the SUV brings to the table. In the engine, it is relied upon to be offered uniquely with the 173hp, 2.0-litre diesel motor mated to the 9-speed programmed gearbox.
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Mercedes-Maybach S-Class – March 3
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class ups the luxury quotient of the standard S-Class with a 180mm longer wheelbase and an even more plush interior. While the interior design is similar to that of the standard S-Class, it receives Maybach-specific upholstery, trim inserts, and graphics for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The Maybach S-class will most likely be available in a four-seat configuration, with the individual rear seats separated by a full-length floor console. Mercedes is expected to offer two engine options under the hood: a 503hp, 4.0-litre V8 and a 612hp, 6.0-litre V12, with the former likely to be locally constructed as well.