After a great show in the 2020 Auto Expo by a few manufacturers, the scenario went cold due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the industry remains positive and is gunning for the year to return on a positive note once again. Here is a look at some of the cars and SUVs that will be launched in 2020.
1. Tata HBX
Tata shall launch the HBX (codename) to compete in the Micro SUV segment. The HBX will be placed above the Tiago in the company’s portfolio. Tata HBX will also be based on ALFA platform like the Altroz.
It shall be powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre Revotron motor like we have seen already on Tiago, Tigor and Altroz. The motor churns out 86PS of power and 113NM of Torque. It will be mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. 5 speed AMT is also expected
HBX will be getting class leading features. It will get a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment, mated to a 8-speaker system. The HBX will rival the likes of Maruti Ignis and Maruti Swift.
2. Kia Sonet
Kia Sonet concept was showcased at the Auto Expo. This will be the next launch from Kia Motors. The Sonet is a compact SUV, which is underpinned by the same platform used in the Hyundai Venue. The engines also will be shared with the Venue, both petrol and diesel. The Kia Sonet will however, be very different in its styling. The design and styling will be more aggressive and sportier than the Venue.
The price of this compact SUV is expected to be in the range of Rs.7 lakh to Rs.12 lakhs. The launch is expected in mid 2020. It will compete with the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, and Hyundai Venue.
3. New Honda City
After a long wait, Honda will be introducing the 5th generation of the Honda City, India’s favourite sedan. The new Honda City will get an all new styling. In terms of dimensions it will be larger and heavier on the equipment list. This shall make the City even more premium than earlier and will be in a better position to take on arch rivals Maruti Ciaz and Hyundai Verna.
It shall be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines, which now will be BS6. In addition to a 6-speed manual transmission in both engines, the petrol will also get a CVT.
4. New Hyundai Elite i20
Hyundai will be launching the new generation of the Elite i20. This hatchback will get a a major change as it will come in an all new styling and look. In terms of proportions, it will be wider than the outgoing model, The i20 was always a feature packed car and will continue this legacy. It will get new age connectivity features akin to the Venue and Creta.
The petrol powertrains will be same as the Venue and its diesel engine will be upgraded to the 1.5-litre unit from the Creta, but in a lower state of tune. The new Elite i20 will get sharper looks making it stand out in a crowd. It will continue to rival the Maruti Baleno, Toyota Glanza and Honda Jazz.
5. Tata Gravitas
The only disappointment that Harrier customers had was that it was a 5 seater. Tata will be launching the Gravitas, which is essentially the 7-seater version of the Harrier. The Gravitas is similar to the Harrier in looks and equipment, but will be longer, though maintaining the same wheelbase. The additional length is meant to house the third row of seats.
The Gravitas will have the same BS6-compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine with 170 bhp of power and 350 Nm torque, mated to a 6-speed MT and an optional automatic transmission It will be priced around 1.5 lakhs more than the Harrier.
6. MG Hector Plus
MG will be launching the Hector Plus this year. Hector Plus will be offered in two seating configurations, which is a 6-seat and 7-seat one. The 6-seat layout in the Hector Plus will have two captain seats for the second-row. The 7-seat configuration, will have a bench seat in the second row.
Hector Plus will have MG’s iSMART internet-enabled connected features with the virtual assistant. But it is likely to be smoother and more reliable than the current one. The Hector Plus will be powered by the same Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with 170bhp and 350Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Hector Plus will also offer the 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor with the mild-hybrid system with a DCT automatic transmission as well apart from the manual.
The Hector Plus will be priced between Rs 16-22 lakh, rivaling the Mahindra XUV500 and the upcoming Tata Gravitas
7. New Honda Jazz
Honda has teased the upcoming BS6 Jazz on its website and will be launching it in mid 2020.
The new Honda Jazz is likely to be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 90bhp of power. The diesel version shall also be upgraded to BS6, which uses a 1.5-litre 100bhp engine. a 5-speed manual in the diesel and petrol, while the petrol shall continue to also get the CVT.
Apart form the engine, there shall be minor cosmetic changes. The new Honda Jazz will compete with the likes of Maruti Baleno, Toyota Glanza, Hyundai Elite i20 and Tata Altroz.
8. New Mahindra XUV 500
The XUV500 has been around for quite some time and begun to show its age. This is the perfect time for a generation change and Mahindra will be getting one this year.
The mid-size SUV segment is heating up, with the Tata Gravitas and the MG Hector Plus coming soon. XUV500 has been spotted on test. The exterior look shall be more contemporary, while the dimensions will remain similar. The interiors will be majorly spruced with a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, large touchscreen system, improved front seats and better interior quality.
The powertrains will continue to be the same, with BS6 compliance. Mahindra will look at maximising its sales after this launch.
9. New Mahindra Thar
Mahindra will also launch the new generation Thar, which has been spotted testing several times. This workhorse will get a new BS engine which will be a 2.0-litre unit, both in petrol and diesel. The cabin will see new additions like a touchscreen system. The rear seats will not be jump seats anymore. It will continue to have rear differential locks.
10. Citroen C5 Aircross
Peugeot Citroen will be making an entry into India with an SUV, which is the Citroen C5 Aircross. The car will be assembled in India and will come in petrol and diesel versions. The C5 will be feature packed with a panoramic sunroof, large touchscreen infotainment, adaptive cruise control and powered seats.
It will compete with the Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson. Expect it to be priced between Rs.22 lakhs and Rs. 30 lakhs