Weekly Car News Fix: Launches, Announcements, Unveilings And More

Over the past seven days, the automotive industry saw a lot of action, with launches, unveilings, and announcements. In case you missed out, we’ve got you covered with a wrapup of all the top headlines. 

Hyundai Creta Gets A New Mid-Spec Variant 

Hyundai has introduced a new mid-spec SX Executive variant in Creta’s lineup. It comes with 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines priced at Rs 13.18 lakh and Rs 14.18 lakh respectively. The two are offered only with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Apart from the downsized 8-inch infotainment system, in place of the 10.25-inch unit, it gets the second-to-top SX variant’s features. It is placed between the S and SX variants.  

Three New MINIs for India

The British carmaker has launched the facelifted 3-Door, Convertible, and John Cooper Works (JCW) in India, priced at Rs 38 lakh, Rs 44 lakh, and Rs 45.5 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. All three models come as completely built-up (CBU) units and are offered with the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, however, with varying output figures. 

The BMW 5 Series Gets A Facelift 

After its global unveiling in May 2020, BMW has finally brought the facelifted 5 Series to India with prices ranging from Rs 62.90 lakh to Rs 71.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Unlike the pre-facelift model, the facelifted 5 Series is limited to three trims and commands a premium of up to Rs 2.80 lakh.

Audi’s All-Electric Vehicle To Reach Indian Shores Next Month

Audi is all set to launch the e-tron in the country in July. It will be offered in two body styles: Standard (SUV) and Sportback (SUV-coupe), across three variants: 50 (SUV), and 55 (SUV), and 55 Sportback (SUV-coupe). The all-electric Audi has a Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP)-claimed efficiency of up to 441km. Expect it to be priced between Rs 99 lakh and Rs 1.20 crore (ex-showroom).

Ferrari 296 GTB Breaks Cover

Ferrari has taken the wraps off its first rear-wheel-drive only V6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the 296 GTB. Guessing where that name comes from? Its 2,996cc six-cylinder 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine! And GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta. The hybrid Ferrari has a combined output of 830PS/740Nm and is capable of doing the 0-100kmph sprint in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 330kmph. 

All About The Hyundai Alcazar

Hyundai started the week by listing the prices of the dual-tone variants of the Alcazar on its website. The dual-tone colour options are Polar White with Phantom Black and Titan Grey with Phantom Black. They command a premium of Rs 15,000 over the standard monotone variants. 

Besides, the carmaker has registered the mid-spec seven-seater Platinum (O) with the RTO and could launch it in the coming months. Currently, the Platinum (O) is available in a 6-seater configuration only.

Lastly, customers planning to buy the Alcazar need to buckle up for a waiting period of up to two months.

Delivery Announcement of The Skoda Kushaq

Skoda India’s top boss Zac Hollis has announced that deliveries of the Kushaq 1.5-litre TSI variants will commence from August 2021. However, bookings will start alongside the 1.0-litre TSI variant after its launch on June 28, 2021. 

Mahindra XUV700

A recently leaked image from Mahindra’s Chakan plant has hinted at the likelihood of the XUV700’s production commencing around July-end. It fits in perfectly with Mahindra’s plans of launching the XUV700 in Q2 FY21, most likely by August. 

Jaguar’s Performance-Focused SUV’s Bookings Open

Jaguar has commenced bookings of the facelifted F-Pace SVR in India. The performance-based SUV is powered by a 551PS 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol motor. It’s capable of doing the 0-100kmph sprint in 4.0 seconds. We expect it to be priced around Rs 2 crore (ex-showroom).