Top Car News Of The Week: Half A Dozen Cars Launched This Week!

It’s not every week that you see not one or two, but six new cars being launched within the same five-day span. The bulk of these launches were from major Indian carmakers, and we even got a new electric vehicle (EV). Carmakers are getting an array of new models ready for the Indian market, and we received reassuring news about them all through last week. 

Here are the top updates that you may have missed out from last week: 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Launched: 

The facelifted Baleno went on sale earlier this week, and it brings a comprehensive set of new changes, especially in the safety department. You can find out how it differs from the older Baleno in our detailed comparison. We’ve even detailed its mid-spec Delta variant’s bells and whistles if you’re looking for a more affordable premium hatchback. 

Tata Kaziranga SUVs Launched: 

The entire lineup of Tata SUVs received new Kaziranga Edition variants inspired by the endangered Indian rhinoceros. You get a slew of new visual updates including a new Grassland Beige paint shade. The mechanicals remain unchanged, but the Kaziranga variants do add a handful of features and creature comforts to the Nexon and Harrier SUVs. 

Updated Maruti Wagon R Launched: 

The Maruti Wagon R has received a refresh with slight exterior tweaks and important changes under the bonnet. It now gets the Dualjet 1-litre and 1.2-litre engines that are more fuel efficient, and also adds a new hill hold safety feature that was previously missing on the Wagon R.

Mini Cooper SE Launched: 

Mini has brought the Cooper SE electric hatchback to India as a completely-built until (CBU). The premium electric hatchback offers a city-friendly 270km driving range on a single charge. But with 184PS on tap, it has the power to challenge petrol-powered hot hatchbacks to a drag race. 

Toyota Glanza Unofficial Bookings Begin: 

Some Toyota dealerships have started taking bookings for the upcoming Glanza hatchback that’s expected to be launched in March. It’ll get a comprehensive set of updates similar to the new Baleno, and we expect it’ll get more distinctive exteriors and interiors this time around. 

Jeep Gives Us A Glimpse Of The Meridian SUV: 

A new teaser image from Jeep gave us our first glimpse at the upcoming Meridian SUV. The 7-seater SUV is based on the Compass platform, and it’ll be offered with a 2-litre diesel unit and, likely, a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine. 

Volkswagen Virtus Name Confirmed: 

VW gave us our first glimpse of its upcoming Virtus sedan that’s based on the localised MQB A0 IN platform. We expect it to come with new 1-litre and 1.5-litre turbo petrol powertrains and new features similar to the Skoda Slavia sedan that arrives in March. You can explore its specs and expected features in our Virtus name reveal story. 

Toyota Innova Spied: 

A new test mule hints that Toyota could be working on an updated Innova MPV that could be launched in multiple countries. We expect to get a look at the people mover at its official unveiling later this year, and it could come to India sometime in 2023.  

International News Update: 

Ford introduced a new Ranger Raptor pickup truck with a powerful 3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine under its bonnet. Meanwhile in Europe, VW will soon reveal its reincarnated iconic people mover, the VW ID. Buzz! We also got a glimpse of MG’s upcoming electric vehicle that could arrive on our shores sometime in 2023.