Weekly Car News Wrap: MG Astor, Special Editions For BMW 3 Series And Kia Sonet Launched, And Launch Timelines For New Kodiaq

The past week may not have been as action-packed as the week before it, but it was still a busy one for the auto industry, with the launch of a new entry-level offering into the compact SUV segment and a couple of special edition trims being introduced to existing models. There were also some important launch timelines and announcements for upcoming models. Here’s everything that transpired:

MG Astor Goes On Sale In India

 

MG Motor India launched its new entry-level SUV, the Astor, at prices starting from Rs 9.78 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India) onwards. Offered in four trims, it comes loaded with features, premium cabin materials, a personal AI assistant, segment-first ADAS, and is offered in two petrol engines. That being said, you’ll have to wait a little longer to book and get your hands on the SUV. In fact, MG has planned a fifth variant of the Astor, the prices for which are set to be revealed soon. 

BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Goes ‘Iconic’ 

BMW India has decided to spruce up the 3 Series Gran Limousine with the launch of the limited-run Iconic Edition. It essentially adds bespoke cosmetic bits to the front kidney grille and cabin upholstery, with a ‘crystal’  add-on and some more creature comforts. And of course, all this will come at a price premium of Rs 1 lakh over the standard model. 

Kia Sonet Anniversary Edition Launched

Kia celebrated one year of the Sonet sub4-metre SUV, by launching an Anniversary Edition trim priced at Rs 10.79 lakh (ex-showroom, India) onwards. Based on the HTX trim, it gets a similar line of updates as its bigger sibling, the Seltos Anniversary Edition, with unique skid plates and orange inserts all over. It can be specced with either the 120PS 1-litre turbo-petrol or 1.5-litre diesel engine options. The Sonet  Anniversary Edition will of course come at a price premium over the standard model, which you can read more about right here. 

Good Signs For The Tata Punch

Good news for those who can’t wait to get their hands on the Tata Punch, as the carmaker will reveal prices a little earlier on October 18, 2021. Bookings for Tata’s entry-level SUV are already underway for a token amount of Rs 21,000.

The good news for the Punch doesn’t stop there, as it has scored an impressive five-star Global NCAP crash test rating, the third Tata model to get this score after the Nexon and Altroz. More importantly, it has surpassed the Mahindra XUV300 to become the highest scoring made-in-India car at GNCAP. To know what contributed to this safety rating head here. 

Facelifted Audi Q5 Local Production Begins 

Audi has commenced local production of the upcoming facelifted Q5 SUV at its Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) plant in Aurangabad. The updated SUV is slated for launch in November, and is set to get a variety of changes inside and out. Head here to know more. 

Volvo To Launch Two Facelifted Models

Volvo is set to give the S90 sedan and XC60 SUV a midlife refresh on October 19. Both models will get subtle cosmetic touch ups and updated tech inside. But the main change will be under the hood with mild-hybrid powertrains which you can read more about here.  

Facelifted Kodiaq Coming Next Year

After announcing production commencement in December, 2021, Skoda India’s top boss Zac Hollis has tweeted that the facelifted Kodiaq will be launched in India in January 2022. The updated Kodiaq will be a completely knocked down (CKD) model, and is set to get a sleeker design, more equipment and a 190PS 2-litre turbo-petrol engine. To know more about the changes, head here. 

Mahindra XUV700 Javelin Edition Spotted

Mahindra will be gifting India’s Olympics hero and gold medalist Neeraj Chopra a special edition of the XUV700 SUV called the ‘Javelin Edition’, and it's been spotted. Compared to the standard model, the Javelin Edition will add gold inserts inside and out, and special badges. 

CarDekho Gains Unicorn Status

This past week was a huge for our parent company CarDekho, as the it managed to successfully raise funds worth USD250 million in its pre-IPO round. This has helped it gain “unicorn status” with a valuation of USD 1.2 billion. It is also the first unicorn-status company from Jaipur, Rajasthan.