Weekly Car News Fix: Car Launch Bonanza, Launch Dates, And Global Debuts

As was the case the previous week, the third week of March continued the action-packed momentum going on in the auto industry. Here’s everything that transpired:

Skoda Kushaq Debuts

This week finally saw Skoda debut its first made-in-India SUV, the Kushaq, to kick off the carmaker's India 2.0 strategy. Based on the MQB-A0-IN platform (first time implementation in India), it looks bold on the outside, has a minimalistic approach on the inside, is loaded with features, and will have multiple engine options. To know more about what the Creta-rivalling SUV will pack, head here. 

Jeep Wrangler Goes Local

Jeep India launched the India-make Wrangler in the country. Instead of being imported as a completely built-up (CBU), it is a completely knocked down (CKD) unit, and will be assembled locally. As a result, the Wrangler has received a pretty steep price cut, which you can read more about here.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Facelift Launched 

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Mercedes-Benz has given the current-gen E-Class sedan its mid-life refresh in India, with prices starting at Rs 63.60 lakh (ex-showroom). Tweaked cosmetics aside, the E-Class gets more tech, sportier AMG Line variant, and features on offer. Of course this is all at a premium, which you can reach more about here. 

Bentley Bentayga Gets A Refresh In India

Another car that received  a facelift in India was the Bentayga. It’s sharper than before, gets a host of tech additions, and retains a throaty 4.0-litre V8 engine under the hood. 

Citroen C5 Aircross Launch Date Revealed

After what seems like forever, Citroen has finally set a launch date for its opening model for India, the Citroen C5 Aircross SUV. Pre-launch bookings are already underway, which also comes with early-bird benefits that will expire just a day after the launch. 

Hyundai Alcazar Debut

Hyundai’s Creta-based Alcazar 7-seater SUV is set to go on sale in India pretty soon. It’ll have some distinct styling elements from the Creta, is expected to have some additional kit, and it could have the potential to be one of the more affordable offerings over rivals like the MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari, and the Mahindra XUV500. 

Longer Suzuki Jimny Spied

Some good news for those eagerly awaiting the Jimny in India as a long-wheelbase version was spotted overseas, hinting that the India-spec model might just be a five-door model when it arrives.

Bonus 

A Tesla 3 Rival And A Hardcore Track Beast 

The past week also saw some key debuts overseas that veered in two opposite spectrums. On one side, BMW unleashed the i4 all-electric coupe that boasts that controversial kidney grille, has power rivalling a BMW V8 motor, and could have the chops to take on the Tesla Model 3. 

On the other side of the spectrum, Pagani went even more radical on the Huayra by revealing the Huayra R. A track-focused beast of a machine with nifty tech wizardry, styling inspired from prototypes from the 60s and 70s, as well as being powered  by a screaming bespoke naturally aspirated V12 engine.