Upcoming car launches in March and April

The upcoming few months are set to expect a number of new cars on the market. While most of them will get the mandatory BS6 Phase 2 update, some of them are long due for an upgrade. Let's take a look at what to expect in the upcoming months.

2023 Honda City:

The fifth-generation City is slated for a mid-life upgrade, which will be the first change to the vehicle since its mid-2020 debut. On March 2, 2023, a price will be revealed, and test drives will start the following day. The higher trims of the normal petrol engine in the new City will now include ADAS capabilities. New entry-level trims will be available for both the strong hybrid and the standard petrol type.

The 2023 City facelift will get the same 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It will come mated to a six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. On the other hand, the City e:HEV will also continue with the 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol motor that delivers a combined power output of 126PS and 253Nm of torque. This engine will be coupled to an eCVT automatic transmission.

2023 Hyundai Verna:

The Hyundai Vern has been due for an update for a while now and Hyundai is finally giving it a whole generational update. It will have an entirely new external appearance, a modernized interior, and new features. The Verna will be launched on March 21 even though reservations can be made now for Rs 25,000.

Two sets of engines are available for the new Hyundai Verna. One is the tried-and-true 1.5-litre NA MPi engine, which produces 115PS and 144 Nm of torque. Either a 6-speed MT or an IVT is available with this engine (Intelligent Variable Transmission). The new 1.5-litre GDi petrol engine, which produces 160PS and 260 Nm of torque, is the more thrilling engine. Its engine will be coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DCT.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx:

The Maruti Suzuki has already racked up over 6,000 bookings and is due for its launch soon. The Fronx will be sold via Nexa outlets and will rival the Citroen C3, Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.

Both the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine and the new, three-cylinder, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol Boosterjet engine, both equipped with Maruti's mild-hybrid technology, will be offered as engine options for the Fronx. The former generates 100PS and 149 Nm, whereas the latter still generates 90PS and 113 Nm.

While the NA petrol engine comes with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT transmission, the turbo-petrol engine may be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

Toyota Innova Crysta Diesel:

Toyota India opened the order books for the new Innova Crysta in January 2023. As a part of the update, the Innova Crysta also gets a revised front bumper, grille and fog lamp housing.

Under the hood is where the changes have occurred. After the release of the Innova Hycross, the Crysta will only be available with the 2.4-litre diesel engine with 150 PS and 343 Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The 2.7-litre gasoline engine is no longer available.

2023 Hyundai Alcazar Turbo Petrol:

Bookings for the updated Alcazar are now open, with the booking amount set at Rs 25,000. Hyundai has also taken the opputunity to slightly tweak the front fascia of the Alcazar.

Powering the 2023 Alcazar is a new 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine mated to a seven-speed DCT or six-speed manual transmission. This motor produces 160 PS at 5,500rpm and 253Nm of torque between 1,500 and 3,500rpm. Hyundai claims that the new 1.5-litre TGDi petrol is the most fuel-efficient engine in its segment, returning 18kmpl and 17.5kmpl, with the automatic and manual transmission, respectively.