Car launches right after the lockdown ends

This summer carmakers were hoping to make a splash with the BSVI implementation finally done with. The Covid19 pandemic hasn't let that happen, unfortunately. But that also means that when the lockdown ends we are set to be bombarded with a slew of new metal. Here are the most significant ones

Skoda Karoq

Skoda's first product under the India 2.0 initiative, the Karoq will sit below the Kodaiq in its line-up. Will be powered by a new petrol engine with cylinder deactivation, although AWD has been given a miss. Notable;e features on the Karoq are the Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, dual-zone air-conditioning, panoramic sunroof, a Canton sound system and nine airbags.

Engine: 1.5-litre petrol 150PS/250 Nm
When? May/June
How much? Rs 24 lakh approx
Rivals: VW T-Roc, Jeep Compass

Honda City

The most popular sedan in India enters its 5th generation completely revamped from the ground up. There are new underpinning, sharper styling to match the Civic and many segment-first features. The new City is expected to be larger than the outgoing car, and come with the Lane-Watch camera from the CR-V, a semi-digital instrument cluster, a new 8-inch touchscreen, connected-car tech with Alexa support, TPMS and LED lighting.

Engine: 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel
When? May/June
How much? Rs 10 to 15 lakh approx
Rivals? Maruti Ciaz, Hyundai Verna

MG Hector Plus

The three-row version of the Hector, should be available in six or seven-seater options. The exterior styling has also been refreshed. here is a larger grille, new headlamp detailing and DRLs. In profile, the SUV now has a stretched out glass pillar around the C-Pillar. The rear rounds things off with a new bumper and tail lamps.

Engines: 1.5-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel
When? June
How much?
Rivals: Tata Gravitas, Mahindra XUV500

Mercedes-Benz GLS

The German carmaker's full-size three-row SUV now moves to its second-generation. The GLS is expected to come with a six or seven-seater layout, with the second-row being available in either fully adjustable individual captain seats or as a three-seater bench. There should be five-zone climate control and heated seats for all rows. The new MBUX infotainment system that debuted here with the GLC facelift is also expected but in a widescreen layout with the two 12.3-inch screens, and with gesture-control functionality. The features include wireless charging, Mercedes Me connected car tech, a self-parking feature with a reversing camera, blind-spot monitoring, nine airbags and the active brake assist system. Further, we also expect the Stop And Go assist semi-autonomous driving system to be made available, standard air-suspension and the E-Active Body control system.

Engines: 3.0-litre petrol, 3.0-litre diesel
When? June
How much? 1.5 crore onwards
Rivals: BMW X7, Range Rover Sport