Given the fact that the Coronavirus pandemic has managed to bring life as we know it to a complete stop within just a few months, we don’t expect things to get any better soon. The automobile industry, along with many more, has taken a huge hit and is now slowly trying to regain momentum. Launching cars that were announced last year is not something car manufacturers would have even thought about but the situation is such where these manufacturers are being forced to push back launch dates even further so that everyone can stay safe and healthy. Nevertheless, here are some of the upcoming cars under Rs. 10 Lakhs that we can expect to be launched in 2021 and 2022.
| MODEL | EXPECTED PRICE |
| Tata Altroz XM Plus Diesel | Rs. 7.75 Lakh |
| Force Gurkha | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| Honda Brio 2020 | Rs. 5.00 Lakh |
| Toyota Yaris 2021 | Rs. 9.00 Lakh |
| Haima Bird Electric EV1 | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| ORA R1 | Rs. 7.00 Lakh |
| Volkswagen Taigun | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| Tata HBX | Rs. 5.00 Lakh |
| Mitsubishi Xpander | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| KIA Rio | Rs. 8.00 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki XL5 | Rs. 5.00 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki WagonR Electric | Rs. 8.00 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Jimny | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| Skoda Rapid 2021 | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| Renault Zoe | Rs. 8.00 Lakh |
| KIA Picanto | Rs. 7.00 Lakh |
| Mahindra eKUV100 | Rs. 8.25 Lakh |
| MG 3 | Rs. 6.00 Lakh |
| Nissan Sunny 2021 | Rs. 8.50 Lakh |
| Tata Tiago EV | Rs. 6.00 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift Hybrid | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Solio | Rs. 6.00 Lakh |
| Volkswagen Virtus | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| Renault K-ZE | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| ORA R2 | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| KIA Soul | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| Renault Arkana | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| KIA Ceed | Rs. 9.00 Lakh |
| Volkswagen Polo 2022 | Rs. 8.00 Lakh |
| Jeep Sub-4m SUV | Rs. 10.00 Lakh |
| Expected Launch | 15th May, 2021 |
| Engine | 1.5L Diesel |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
Tata is a name that can be trusted in the Indian automobile industry thanks to their performance-based and highly-durable cars. The Tata Altroz XM Plus Diesel is just another example of their excellence. The regular Altroz, when released, was an instant hit in the market and now we can’t wait for the XM Plus Diesel variant ready to be launched. Tata announced that the Altroz XM Plus Diesel will be powered by a 1.5L Revotorq diesel engine that is expected to generate 89Ps of power and 200Nm of torque. The new Altroz is expected to come paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox with an FWD drivetrain. Some of the features we can expect on the Altroz XM Diesel include power steering, power windows, air-conditioning and heating, and 90-degree opening doors. In terms of safety, the Altroz XM Plus Diesel should come with dual front airbags, power locks on the doors, passenger airbags, and seat-belt warning.
| Expected Launch | 2nd October 2021 |
| Engine | 2.6L Diesel |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
The Force Gurkha was initially announced at the Auto Expo 2020 and was supposed to be launched back in July. However, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the release and now the company has a launch date set for the 2nd of October, 2021. There is nothing much to announce about the already talked about Gurkha but there are some changes that could feature when the car finally hits the dealerships. We already know that there will be new stylish LED DRLs around the headlights and a single window in the rear now replaces the dual-pane set up on the previous model. The new Gurkha comes with 245/70 R16-inch alloy wheels which is comparatively smaller than the wheels on the Mahindra Thar. Under the hood, the Gurkha will be launched with a BSVI-compliant 2.6L diesel engine that will generate 90Ps of power and a 5-speed manual gearbox. The bigger, more obvious changes are found on the inside where the Gurkha gets a major makeover. There is a newly designed dashboard with dual tones for a more stylish look. Force has now also included a touchscreen infotainment system to keep up with the latest requirements. Finally, the seating arrangements in the Force Gurkha have also changed with two front-facing seats taking the place of the side-facing seats in the rear of the previous model.
| Expected Launch | 6th June 2021 |
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, CVT |
Honda has always been a popular option when it comes to compact hatchbacks in India and the Brio is clearly one of the best available in the market right now. The second-generation Brio was first revealed at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show back in 2018 and the Japanese manufacturer has finally decided to make it available to India. This could be the perfect time for interested buyers to ready their RC transfer papers for one of the most anticipated hatchbacks this year. One of the major differences between the previous model and the upcoming one is that Honda has made it more spacious – something which was a negative point for interested buyers. Even the design of the new Brio has changed a lot with a more mature look as compared to the playful design on the current model. However, under the hood, the new Brio will still feature the same 1.2L i-VTEC petrol engine that produces 90Ps of power and 110Nm of torque. Mated to the engine will be a standard 5-speed manual gearbox but Honda is expected to include a 7-speed CVT when the car is launched in India. In terms of features, the new Brio will come with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and Bluetooth enabled audio which are just some of the latest additions. LED headlamps and taillights, ABS with EBD, keyless entry, automatic climate control, and dual airbags in front also make the list of new features.
| Expected Launch | 15th June 2021 |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo-Petrol |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual, 7-Step CVT |
The Yaris from Toyota was originally considered as one of the most premium sedans on offer from the manufacturer and with that popularity, the company has decided to launch the facelifted Yaris 2021. The sedan was expected to make its way into Indian dealers by February, but that was delayed because of the pandemic. The new release date is set for 15th of June 2021 and it is expected to come with a host of upgraded features and specifications that will put it up against some of the biggest names in the business including the Hyundai Verna, the Volkswagen Vento, and the latest Honda City. Unfortunately, the engine is something that we do not expect to see upgraded which means the same 1.5L Turbo-petrol engine will power the Yaris 2021. The engine will still generate 107Ps of power with 140Nm of torque and will come mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-step CVT transmission. What we do expect from the Yaris 2021 is a new set of LED headlamps and taillights, new LED DRLs and fog lights, and an updated infotainment setup that includes Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The instrument cluster and the controls mounted on the steering wheel should remain the same for the upcoming Yaris 2021 which we think is a rather disappointing area.
| Expected Launch | 30th June 2021 |
| Battery | 20.5kWh, 28.5kWh |
| Range | 200Kms, 300Kms |
Haima is a Chinese car manufacturer that has only recently entered the Indian market and the Haima Bird Electric EV1 is the first EV car from the company that will be launched in the country. Powering the Bird Electric EV1 will be an electric motor that will produce 40Ps of power and 105Nm of torque. Backing up the electric motor will be either a 20.5kWh Lithium-Ion battery that will be capable of offering a range of 200 Kms on a full charge or a 28.5kWh Lithium-Ion battery that will offer a range of 300 Kms. Some of the known features on the Bird Electric EV1 will include dual airbags for the front and a large touchscreen infotainment system that will sit in the middle of the dashboard. The EV segment is quickly becoming a prominent one in the Indian market and when the Haima Bird Electric EV1 is launched, it will take on the Mahindra eKUV100 as its closest competitor.
| Expected Launch | 15th July 2021 |
| Battery | 28.5kWh, 33kWh |
| Range | 300 Kms |
Originally showcased at the Auto Expo 2020, the ORA R1 from Great Wall Motors could be one of the most exciting, budget-friendly EVs in the Indian market when it is finally launched. The ORA R1 is powered by an electric motor that runs on a 28.5kWh Lithium-Ion battery. There is also an option for a 33kWh Lithium-Ion battery that, together with the electric motor, can generate 48Ps of power and 125Nm of torque. The larger battery is capable of offering a range of over 300 Kms when the battery is fully charged. The ORA R1 is fitted with some of the latest technology and offers some of the newest features including a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system, parking cameras, airbags for the front and side, traction control, electronic parking brake, ESP, and hill ascent control.
| Expected Launch | 15th August 2021 |
| Engine | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol, 1.5L Turbo-Petrol |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Torque-Converter, 7-Speed DSG |
The compact SUV segment has been doing exceedingly well in the Indian market and the latest addition, the Volkswagen Taigun, could quickly become the one to beat. The Taigun looks spectacular and has sharp angles across the entire body. In the front, the Taigun features a sleek grille with large fog lights built into the stylish bumper. The LED headlamps and LED DRLs make up the rest of the front. The rear of the Taigun is even more interesting as it features a very sporty taillight configuration. Under the hood of the Taigun sits a 1.0L Turbo-petrol engine that is expected to produce 115Ps of power and 200Nm of torque. There is also a 1.5L Turbo-petrol engine that is expected to be available. Paired to the 1.0L engine is either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed Torque Converter setup while the 1.5L engine will come with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG transmission. In terms of features, the Taigun will come with a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch all-digital instrument cluster. Some of the other features include a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, and cameras for easier parking. With so much on offer, the Taigun could soon become one of the most used cars from the company’s lineup.
| Expected Launch | 15th August, 2021 |
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, Automatic |
Without a doubt, Tata cars have to be the most used cars in India with the perfect combination of performance and affordability built into every car they send out from their factory. Tata has always strived to include the premium features into their cars while keeping the cost of the vehicle at a reasonable level. Now, Tata is ready to launch their premium and stylish hatchback called the HBX. It was first showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo and immediately caught people’s attention. For starters, the HBX is expected to come in with a price tag of about Rs. 5.00 lakh, which is a very competitive number in the current market. According to the leaks and news, the HBX will be fitted with the same 1.2L Revotron petrol engine that is found in the Tata Altroz and Tiago, albeit a BSVI-compliant version. The engine will generate 86Ps of power along with 113Nm of torque and will be mated to a 5-speed manual transmission as a standard option. There will also be an optional 5-speed automatic gearbox included. In terms of features, the HBX is expected to come with a 7-inch floating touchscreen infotainment setup as well as calling and audio controls mounted into the steering wheel.
| Expected Launch | 25th August 2021 |
| Engine | 1.5L Petrol |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic |
Although the Mitsubishi Xpander is currently selling in Southeast Asia, it is set to reach India sometime in 2021. The car will sport the “Dynamic Shield” design from Mitsubishi which gives the car an angular front and a boxy overall design. When it comes to rivalry, the Xpander will go up against models like the Maruti Ertiga, Honda BR-V, and the Mahindra Marazzo. Powering the car is a 1.5L 4-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine that produces 150Ps of power and 141Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission gearbox which gives the car some serious power and speed. In terms of features, the Xpander has a lot of offers including keyless entry, a push-button to start/stop the car, a 7-inch touchscreen LCD display, cruise control, telescopic steering wheel, GPS navigation, and power outlets on all 3 rows of seats. The safety features on the Xpander include dual airbags, traction control, ABS with EBD, Hill Start Assist, parking sensors, and Electronic Stability Control.
| Expected Launch | 31st August 2021 |
| Engine | 1.6L Petrol |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Automatic |
The KIA Rio is one of the most anticipated sedans this year with an affordable price tag and a decent performance on the road being its biggest selling points. The Rio is compact but is extremely sporty and easy to handle. Powering the upcoming sedan is a 1.6L In-Line petrol engine that is expected to generate 130Ps of power and 161Nm of torque. The engine will be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission system. In terms of features, the Rio is expected to offer a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and cruise control. Safety is also a major attraction on the Rio as it comes with multiple airbags for the driver as well as the passengers, rear cameras for easier parking, ABS with EBD, and parking sensors to help you avoid obstacles when parking.
| Expected Launch | 8th September, 2021 |
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, 5-Speed Automatic |
When you think of affordable car manufacturers in India, Maruti Suzuki has to be one of the first names that come to mind. For years the brand has been producing vehicles that cater to the middle-class of the country and are successfully moving forward with that goal in front of them. Considered an upgraded WagonR, the Maruti XL5 has gained a lot of popularity across the country over the past few months. The upgraded WagonR-Esque automobile is set to feature 15-inch alloy wheels, newly designed LED headlamps, a new front grille, updated fog lamps, and a new air dam positioned on the front bumper. Expected to power the XL5 is the same 1.2L petrol engine that is already featured on the newest WagonR. The engine produces 83Ps of power and 113Nm of torque and is set to be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission system. Some of the other features found on the upcoming XL5 include a push-button start, LED DRLs, and automatic climate control.
| Expected Launch | 9th September 2021 |
Electric Vehicles or EV’s have been making headlines across the country in the past few years and as we move towards a cleaner world, the objective is to sell cars that don’t destroy our environment and embrace healthier alternatives. Maruti is one such manufacturer that strives to make a difference, and a big step towards that is the WagonR Electric or WagonR EV. The Japanese version of the electric WagonR is already on sale in the country and features a petrol and hybrid engine. The all-electric version though is set to take India by storm by September 2020. Maruti is already testing the EV on Indian roads to collect data and evaluate whether it is capable of taking on the different weather and road conditions in the country. Maruti is also working on a Lithium-ion battery plant to produce the best possible power sources for the electric WagonR.
| Expected Launch | 15th September 2021 |
| Engine | 1.5L Petrol, 1.5L Diesel |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic |
Last year, there were rumours about Maruti Suzuki not willing to launch the Jimny in India. However, it seems that things have changed in 2021 and now we can expect the car some time in September. While the current model has a 3-door design, the Jimny, if launched, will most probably have a larger 5-door design. The car will almost certainly come with the same 1.5L petrol engine that is found on the newest Ciaz, Vitara Brezza, and Ertiga. The engine is set to produce 105Ps of power along with 138Nm of torque and will be mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission system. Additionally, Maruti seems to ready to reintroduce their 1.5L diesel motor with a BSVI compliance which could eventually make it way into the Jimny. Coming as standard in all models will be a Four-Wheel-Drive system for better control on all terrains. Some of the other features that could make it onto the Jimny are 6 airbags, a 7-inch infotainment system, automatic LED headlamps, automatic climate control, ESP or Electronic Stability Program, hill hold and hill descent control, and TC or Traction Control.
| Expected Launch | 10th October, 2021 |
| Engine | 1.0L Turbocharged-Petrol |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual, 7-Speed DSG |
With Skoda announcing the facelifted Rapid 2021, it comes as no surprise that people are getting excited about the sedan. Although not much has been discussed about the upcoming premium sedan, the Rapid 2021 has gained a lot of attention. The upgraded Rapid will now come with a BSVI-compliant 1.0L Turbocharged-petrol engine that is expected to generate 115Ps of power and 200Nm of torque which is the same kind of engine that is expected to feature on the Kamiq and Vision IN later this year. Similar to the Vision IN, the Rapid 2021 will come with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox to choose from. Given that Skoda and Volkswagen are teaming up to introduce CNG variants of their popular cars, Skoda could also introduce a CNG variant of the Rapid 2021 in the future.
| Expected Launch | 20th October 2021 |
| Battery | 52kWh |
| Range | 385 Kms, 395 Kms |
Recently, the Renault Zoe was seen being tested in Chennai but interested buyers are advised not to get too excited just yet. While the Zoe is already available outside the country, we will have to wait to see when the company will launch the EV here. Currently, the Zoe generates either 108Ps of power and 225Nm of torque or 135Ps of power and 245Nm of torque. According to the latest tests, the Zoe will provide a Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) that will give the standard model a range of 395 Kms whereas the higher-spec variant will offer a range of 385 Kms. Powering the Zoe EV will be an electric motor that is backed up by a 52KWh Lithium-Ion battery. Charging time for the Zoe EV is expected to be 9-10 hours from 0-100 percent when using the regular 7.4kW charger that comes with the vehicle. However, if the 50kW DC fast charger is used, the battery can be charged from 0-80 percent in just 1 hour and 10 minutes. Some of the features found on the Zoe will include a 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and CapPlay connectivity, automatic climate control, parking sensors, and cruise control. The car will also come with a number of safety features that include ABS with EBD, four airbags, and ISOFIX child mount seats. Once the Zoe EV is launched, people can use a used car evaluation tool to get the best deal on the impressive vehicle.
| Expected Launch | 1 December, 2021 |
| Engine | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol, 1.25L Turbo Petrol |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
When it comes to hatchbacks, India is one of the biggest markets for the segment with manufacturers from around the world targeting their models in the country. KIA has followed that trend and has announced that they would be launching the upcoming Picanto in India sometime in December 2021. While that might be a long way away, we have information about the Picanto that will surely get you excited. The compact hatchback will be powered by a 1.0L Turbo-petrol engine that will generate 66Ps of power and 96Nm of torque. The engine will be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and is expected to offer a top speed of 160 kmph. The Picanto will also come with a 1.25L Turbo-petrol engine that will produce 83Ps of power and 122Nm of torque and will be mated to a 5-speed manual transmission as well. The top speed expected for the bigger engine is 172 kmph. We don’t really know a lot more about the Picanto but we expect it to come with a number of features including a touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, ABS with EBD, airbags, and LED headlamps with DRLs.
| Expected Launch | 10th December, 2021 |
| Battery | 15.9kWh |
| Range | 147 Kms |
Normally, you wouldn’t think of Mahindra as a name that is associated with Electric Vehicles but they have been talking about the upcoming eKUV100 a lot in the past year. When the company first launched the regular KUV, it was an exciting prospect for those buyers looking for a micro-SUV. Now, the company is set to launch the electric variant called the eKUV100 which is Mahindra’s answer to a cleaner, healthier planet. The car is expected to feature a similar powertrain as the concept Mahindra eVerito which was unveiled at the 2018 Auto Expo. Powering the eKUV 100 will be a 15.9kWh Lithium-ion battery that will give the compact SUV a range of 147 Kms on a full battery. According to the company, the car will have fast charging capabilities that will take the battery from 0-80 percent in a single hour. Mahindra is expected to include a number of upgraded features in the eKUV100 such as location tracking, parking sensors in the rear, over speeding alert, ABS with EBD, dual airbags in the front, and cabin pre-cooling.
| Expected Launch | 12th December, 2021 |
| Engine | 1.5L Petrol |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic |
Hatchbacks are extremely popular in India and the MG 3 looks ready to enter one of the most competitive segments in the automobile industry. The MG 3 is quite compact and resembles last year’s Maruti Suzuki Swift. However, the MG 3 packs a lot more into its small size. Under the hood, the MG 3 houses a 1.5L Direct Fuel Injection In-Line 4-cylinder petrol engine that is capable of generating 82Ps of power and 150Nm of torque which is quite impressive when compared to the other hatchbacks in the market. Mated to the engine is a 4-speed automatic transmission system with Front-Wheel-Drive capabilities. The hatchback is expected to come with some of the latest features on offer from MG including a touchscreen infotainment system, parking sensors, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, climate control, air-conditioning and heating, and multiple airbags.
| Expected Launch | 15th December, 2021 |
| Engine | 1.6L Petrol |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, XTRONIC Automatic |
The Nissan Sunny is one of the best-selling sedans and used cars from the brand and continues to do well all across the country. The latest facelifted Sunny is expected to feature Nissan’s Emotional Geometry design which will take pointers from the Altima and Lannia that are already available internationally. The new Sunny 2021 will come with an upgraded chrome V-shaped front grille and is flanked by sleek angular LED headlights. Nissan has also included LED DRLs in the Sunny 2021. The Sunny 2021 gets most of its styling from the already stylish Kicks along with its floating roofline. Powering the Sunny 2021 will be a 1.6L 4-cylinder petrol engine that is capable of producing 122Ps of power and 155Nm of torque. Mated to the engine will be a 5-speed manual gearbox as a standard option but Nissan is expected to also offer an XTRONIC automatic transmission as well. For its features, the Sunny 2020 will come with the same floating touchscreen infotainment system found in the Kicks. Other features include automatic climate controls, a top-tier audio setup, and a digital instrument cluster.
| Expected Launch | 15th December, 2021 |
| Battery | 21.5kWh |
| Range | 213 Kms |
Tata is a brand that is always looking for new ways to make things better and their highly-anticipated Tiago EV might be the perfect addition to a powerful lineup. Electric vehicles are soon going to be a huge part of our future and the Tiago EV seems like a great way to get there. Powering this car is a massive 21.5kWh Lithium-Ion battery that offers an impressive 213 kms range on a single charge. Charging the battery to 100 percent takes about 6-8 hours while there are also fast charge capabilities that reduce that time to just 1.5 hours. As of now, not much is known about the Tiago EV other than Tata is expected to launch the model sometime this December. We can expect the Tiago to mirror many of the features of the recently launched Tigor EV.
| Expected Launch | 15th December, 2021 |
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol + Battery |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
Maruti Suzuki has been dominating the Indian automobile market for quite a few decades already and they are looking to take their plans to another level by entering the “hybrid” segment with the Swift Hybrid. The regular Swift has always been one of the best-selling cars in the country and now, the hybrid variant could give people something to get excited about. In terms of design, the Swift Hybrid could be quite similar to the upcoming Swift 2020. Powering the Swift Hybrid is an expected 1.2L petrol engine that will be coupled to an electric motor and a Lithium-Ion battery. In terms of power, the 1.2L engine is set to produce 91Ps of power and 118Nm of torque whereas the electric motor is capable of generating 13.5Ps of power and 30Nm of torque. Mated to the powertrain of the Swift Hybrid will be a 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Some of the features found on the Swift Hybrid include cruise control and ventilated seats in the front.
| Expected Launch | 22nd February 2022 |
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol |
Currently sold in Japan, the Maruti Suzuki Solio is a popular mini-MPV that was also unveiled in India back in 2012 at the Indian Auto Expo. The Japanese version is a 5-seater while the one unveiled in India was a 7-seater. However, it seems that the 5-seater is the option that will be launched in India as it was seen tested on Indian roads. In the rear, the Solio will have sliding doors that were seen on the Omni. Powering the Solio will be the same 1.2L K12 petrol engine that is found on the latest Maruti Swift with a petrol-hybrid changeup. In terms of power, the engine is capable of generating 92Ps of power and 118Nm of torque. The upcoming Solio is expected to have a mileage that is set at 22 kmpl which is matched to the current Swift on sale.
| Expected Launch | 1st March, 2022 |
| Engine | 1.0 Petrol, 1.5L Petrol, 2.0L Petrol, 1.6L Diesel |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Manual, 7-Speed DSG |
Based on the MBQ A0 platform from Volkswagen, the Virtus is designed to be compact, sturdy, and extremely safe. The Virtus was first unveiled in Sao Paulo, Brazil where it was confirmed that it will be the sedan version of the latest VW Polo Sixth-Gen – one of the most used cars in India. But the similarities between the Polo and the Virtus don’t end there. The Virtus will look and perform almost exactly like the Polo and will only get a similar boot as-is on the VW Vento. From the upgraded exteriors to the stylish interiors, the Virtus will share the Polo’s design and powertrain as well which include a 1.0L MPI, 1.0L TSI, 1.5L TSI, and 2.0L TSI petrol engines. There is also said to be a 1.6L TDI diesel variant that could be launched in India. All variants will come with a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, and 7-speed DSG automatic transmission option. Some of the features you can find on the upcoming Virtus are LED headlamps and tail lamps, panoramic sunroof, digital instrument cluster, Virtual Cockpit, touchscreen infotainment system, flat-bottom steering wheel, and wireless charging.
| Expected Launch | 31st March 2022 |
| Battery | 26.8kWh |
Renault is a company that has been doing exceedingly well in India over the past few years with their budget-friendly cars. Now, the brand is looking to expand into EV’s with the K-ZE ready to make its way into the country in March 2022. It has already been launched in China under the name City-KZE so we have to see what variant is released in India. Under the hood, the K-ZE will be powered by a 26.8kWh Lithium-Ion battery that is expected to produce 44Ps of power and 125Nm of torque. When using a 6.6kW AC charger, the K-ZE will go from 0-100 percent in about 4 hours but if charged with the DC fast charger, the K-ZE will go from 30-80 percent in just 30 minutes. Inside the K-ZE, we can expect to find an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, online music connectivity, 4G WiFi connectivity, and a high-quality air quality sensor.
| Expected Launch | 31st May, 2022 |
| Battery | 38kWh |
| Range | 401 Kms |
Chinese brand ORA is ready to launch the R2 in India and the EV is set to make a mark in the country. Falling under the Great Wall Motors automotive company, ORA is quickly becoming an exciting offering in the segment in the upcoming months. The 5-seater EV will be powered by a 38kWh Lithium-Ion battery that offers a range of up to 401 Kms when the battery is fully charged. Connected to the battery is a 45 kW electric motor. ORA also offers a guarantee on their battery which lasts up to 1,50,000 Kms or until 8 years. The battery and electric motor combines produce 60Ps of power and 130Nm of torque which is quite impressive given the size of the car. In terms of features, the ORA R2 is expected to come with a touchscreen infotainment system, a powerful audio setup, automatic cooling, ABS with EBD, airbags, and a digital instrument cluster.
| Expected Launch | 1st October, 2022 |
| Battery | 64kWh |
| Range | 450 Kms |
KIA has already discussed and showcased the upcoming Soul in India and the upcoming Hybrid EV is set to make a huge impression in the country. Originally launched at the LA Auto Show back in 2018, the Soul was expected to make its way to India sometime in October this year but the global pandemic has pushed that date back by an entire year. The new Soul will come with a slightly redesigned front and rear fascia and will also come with a boxy look that is considered a classic. When compared to the previous Soul, the upcoming Soul is now fitted with a larger 64kWh Lithium-Ion battery along with a petrol-Hybrid engine. In terms of power, the Soul is expected to produce 204Ps of power and 400Nm of torque. These numbers are a significant increase from the previous model which housed a 30kWh battery and generated only 110Ps of power and 285Nm of torque. In terms of the Soul’s range, the numbers have also increased here with the new model expected to offer 450 Kms on a completely charged battery rather than the previously recorded 200 Kms. While there are some rumours about the Soul not coming to India, there are a lot of positives based on its launch in the country as we see India moving further toward a cleaner driving experience.
| Expected Launch | 5 October 2022 |
| Engine | 1.3L Turbocharged Petrol |
| Transmission | CVT Automatic |
We discussed quite a bit about the Renault Arkana back in 2019 and even talked about its launch in the early parts of 2020. After everything, it seems like we can expect the crossover to make its way to India in 2022. Renault introduced the Arkana crossover in Russia back in 2019 and it should be launched here around October. The Arkana is designed on the B0 platform that is seen on the Duster and Captur which are already in India. Some of the features found inside the Arkana are an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic cruise control, 360-degree parking cameras, LED headlamps, and remote engine start. Under the hood, the Arkana will house a BSVI-compliant 1.3L Turbocharged petrol engine that is expected to be mated to a CVT automatic transmission. As of now, the India-bound Renault Arkana is shrouded in mystery, but we can expect a lot of similarities to the Russian variant.
| Expected Launch | 11th November, 2022 |
| Engine | 1.0L Petrol, 1.4L Petrol, 1.6L Petrol |
| Transmission | Manual, Automatic |
The Indian automobile industry is probably one of the toughest markets as demands change continuously. However, it seems that hatchbacks are one segment that is in constant demand. Seeing this, KIA is ready to unleash the Ceed – the powerful hatchback is expected to come with either a BSVI 1.0L, BSVI 1.4L, or a BSVI 1.6L CDi petrol engine. For the 1.0L engine, the Ceed will produce 118Ps of power with 172Nm of torque while the 1.4L engine will generate 138Ps of power and 242Nm of torque. Lastly, the 1.6L engine will produce 201Ps of power and 265Nm of torque. All the engines will come with a manual transmission system as standard but the 1.4L engine is expected to be offered with an automatic gearbox as an option. The Ceed will have a top speed of 189 Kmph, 204 Kmph, and 230 Kmph on the 1.0L, 1.4L, and 1.6L engines respectively. The smallest engine will be mounted on a Ceed with 16-inch alloy wheels whereas the biggest engine will run on 18-inch allow wheels. The 1.4L engine will be housed in a Ceed that features 17-inch alloy wheels. Although the hatchback segment is not as popular in India, the KIA Ceed might bring about a major change in that given the fact that it offers a lot for the everyday driver.
| Expected Launch | 15th November 2022 |
| Engine | 1.0L Petrol, 1.5L Turbo-Petrol, 2.0 Turbo-Petrol |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, 7-Speed DSG |
Today, Volkswagen sells the sixth-generation Polo in Europe and we can expect the popular sporty hatchback to make its way to India as well. From what we gather, it looks like the facelifted Polo is based on the MQB-A0 platform which carries a number of upgrades or changes in design and performance. For starters, we can see that the headlights now have integrated LED DRLs inside them. The LEDs used here are the MATRIX LEDs which automatically dip as soon as it sees oncoming traffic. Another feature that will immediately catch your eye is the light bar that connects the headlights and runs under the grille in the front. The headlights themselves seem to have gotten a little more stretched out rather than the squared-out ones on the previous model. Under the hood, the Polo will still come with either a 1.0L petrol, 1.5L Turbo-petrol, or a 2.0L Turbo-petrol engine. The 1.0L petrol will generate either 65Ps, 75Ps, 95Ps (Turbo), or 115Ps (Turbo) whereas the 1.5L Turbo-petrol engine will generate 150Ps. In the transmission department, the new Polo should come with a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG gearbox. If the rumours are true, we could also get to see a CNG variant of the Polo sometime in the near future.
| Expected Launch | 30th December, 2022 |
| Engine | 1.0L Petrol, 1.2L Turbo-Petrol |
| Transmission | Manual, Automatic |
Although there is a lot of mystery around the Jeep Sub-4m SUV right now, we are continually getting tiny hints into what the vehicle could offer us – if and when it is released in India. As of now, we expect the compact SUV to be powered by a 1.0L Turbo-petrol engine that could generate 120Ps of power. This is the engine used in European countries and that is what is expected to make its way to India as well. Additionally, there could also be a 1.2L Turbo-petrol option with a plug-in Hybrid feature included. In terms of features, we can expect some of the standard ones found on Jeep vehicles including LED headlamps, a touchscreen infotainment system with Android and Apple connectivity, a sunroof, automatic climate control, and ventilated seats.
Check out all the best cars under 10 lakhs in India
A: The cheapest car under Rs. 10 Lakhs is the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso which is priced at Rs. 3.78 Lakhs.
A: The most popular cars under Rs. 10 Lakhs include the KIA Seltos (Rs. 9.89 Lakhs), Maruti Swift (Rs. 5.19 Lakhs), Hyundai Venue (Rs. 6.70 lakhs), Hyundai Creta (9.99 Lakhs), and Mahindra Thar (9.92 Lakhs).
A: The best mileage cars under Rs. 10 Lakh are the Honda Amaze (25 Kmpl), the Hyundai Aura (25 Kmpl), the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (24.5 Kmpl), Tata Altroz (24 Kmpl), and the Ford Aspire (24 Kmpl).
A: The best hatchback cars under Rs. 10 Lakhs are the Maruti Swift, the Hyundai Elite i20, the Maruti Baleno, the Tata Altroz, the Renault KWID, the Tata Tiago, the Hyundai Grand i10, and the Volkswagen Polo.
A: The best SUV cars under Rs. 10 Lakhs are the KIA Seltos, the Hyundai Venue, the Hyundai Creta, the Mahindra Thar, the Tata Nexon, the Maruti Vitara Brezza, the Nissan Kicks, the Honda WR-V, the Maruti S-Cross, the Mahindra XUV300, the Renault Duster, and the Ford EcoSport.
A: The best sedan cars under Rs. 10 Lakhs are the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, the Hyundai Verna, the Honda Amaze, the Hyundai Aura, the Skoda Rapid, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, the Tata Tigor, the Toyota Yaris, the Volkswagen Vento, and the Hyundai Xcent.
A: The brands that offer cars under Rs. 10 Lakhs are Maruti Suzuki, Tata, Hyundai, Honda, KIA, Mahindra, Renault, Volkswagen, Skoda, Toyota, Datsun, Nissan, Force, ORA, Mitsubishi, Haima, MG, and Ford.
