Top Car News Of The Week: SUV Buyers Gain 3 New Choices

This week was packed with important launches and unveilings, both in India and overseas. It was a good week for electrics, too – a new hybrid SUV broke cover and so did two global electric sedans. Car safety rules also improved this week and passenger safety will get a shot in the arm once Bharat NCAP norms come into force next year. 

For all the updates that you may have missed, here’s our weekly compilation of news stories:

Mahindra Scorpio N Launched 

Mahindra’s iconic Scorpio got a reboot as the all-new Scorpio N this week. It’s a big ladder frame SUV that sits in the compact SUV and mid-size SUV segments. It even offers a proper 4x4 system unlike its three-row SUV rivals. As for performance and off-roading capabilities, head to our Scorpio N first drive review here. 

• 2022 Mahindra Scorpio N vs XUV700 vs Tata Safari vs MG Hector Plus: Specs, Engines And Features Compared

• 2022 Mahindra Scorpio N Z2, Z4, Z6, Z8, And Z8L Variants Explained

Maruti Brezza Launched 

The next-generation Maruti Brezza is on sale now, and it gets a thorough facelift and major feature updates for 2022. It’s based on the same platform as before, but the bodywork is all-new with a bold front fascia, chunkier side cladding and sleek rear end. The 2022 Brezza gets an evolved, more efficient K15C 1.5-litre petrol engine and a new 6-speed automatic option. 

• 2022 Maruti Suzuki Brezza Launched: All Details In 10 Images

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Unveiled

Positioned in a segment above the Brezza, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder broke cover with a sleek exterior and premium cabin features. It’s the first vehicle to come out of the Toyota-Maruti partnership, and it combines the best of both worlds – a Suzuki platform and efficient mild and strong hybrid powertrains. The new Toyota SUV is a size larger than the Urban Cruiser, and unlike the FWD-only subcompact SUV, the Hyryder gets an all-wheel drive (AWD) option. 

• Toyota Hyryder A Size Larger Than Urban Cruiser, Rivals Hyundai Creta

Citroen C3 Open For Bookings

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You can officially place a booking for the Citroen C3 ahead of its launch on July 20. The C3 is a hatchback with a raised stance that’s set to be offered with 1.2-litre naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engine choices. It’s available in two variants – ‘Live’ and ‘Feel’ – with plentiful customisation packages and accessories.

Jaguar F-Pace SVR Edition 1988 Bookings Open

In 1988, Jaguar won the top spot in the 24 hours of Le Mans with the XJR-9 prototype race car. To commemorate this victory, the carmaker has introduced the limited-run F-Pace SVR Edition 1988. Only 394 Edition 1988 SUVs will be produced, and Jaguar’s order book is now open for Indian buyers, too. 

Bharat NCAP Testing Protocol Revealed

India’s new car safety testing regime was added to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules this week. The Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) protocol will come into effect from April 2023, and it’ll perform crash tests and safety system evaluations in line with global standards. Cars will be rated for adult safety, child safety and safety assist technologies, and you can find the full info in our BNCAP story. Meanwhile, Global NCAP tested the Maruti S-Presso again, and the South Africa-spec model redeemed itself this time around.  

• Haryana Govt Introduces New EV Policy With Discounts For Both Hybrid Cars And Battery EVs

International Updates 

We finally got our first look at the 2022 Kia Seltos upon its unveiling in the marque’s home market. It’s expected to arrive in India early next year, although we can’t say the same about the new Volkswagen ID.Aero, a premium electric sedan that was introduced in concept form by VW last week. Hyundai introduced the swoopy new Ioniq 6 electric sedan which will be fully revealed in the coming month.