Upcoming cars in India 2021: ₹16-40 lakh

For entry-level premium car aficionados, here a list of some of the most lucrative new car options coming their way this year in the price range of ₹16 – 40 lakh (ex-showroom).

Citroën C5 Aircross

The Citroën C5 Aircross will be the French marque’s debut model in India. Originally, the C5 Aircross was slated to be launched by mid to late 2020. However, the COVID-19 situation forced the French giant to reschedule the launch to Q1 2021. Expected to arrive with a price tag of more than ₹30 lakh, the C5 Aircross will be locally assembled (CKD) and will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Tucson. It will be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine, with an expected power output of 178bhp. An 8-speed torque converter will be the sole transmission option.

Expected launch: Early 2021
Expected price: ₹30 – 35 lakh

Jeep Compass Facelift

The Jeep Compass Facelift was recently unveiled in China. And now it’s set to come to India very soon. The biggest changes on the facelift model include a reworked front fascia – courtesy of a new bumper design and updated headlamps – and a revamped interior, which is said to include a new dashboard and FCA’s latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system. A new steering wheel and a fully-digital instrument cluster are also part of the update. The powertrain options are expected to remain unchanged.

Expected launch: January 2021
Expected price: ₹18 – 27 lakh

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine

While bookings for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine were opened soon after its unveiling at the Auto Expo 2020, the ongoing pandemic understandably delayed its launch. The A-Class sedan is now expected to make its way to our market in early 2021. The Stuttgart-based carmaker will not only bring the standard petrol and diesel engine options but also launch the car in the more powerful AMG 35 tune. The petrol is likely to produce the 161bhp and 250Nm, while the diesel will be good for 114bhp and 260Nm. The A-Class limousine will lock horns with the recently launched BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé.

Expected launch: Early 2021
Expected price: ₹40 lakh

Skoda Octavia

Over a year after its international debut, the new-gen Skoda Octavia is all set to arrive on our shores this year. Ditching the famed split headlamp design, the new Octavia follows the design cues of the updated Superb and features many styling elements, like the ‘SKODA’ lettering on the tailgate. Packed with a handful of new premium features, the Octavia, like the Superb, will arrive with a 188bhp 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol motor. The lower variants, though, are expected to get the 148bhp 1.5-litre TSI motor of the Karoq.

Expected launch: March 2021
Expected price: ₹20 – 25 lakh

Toyota Fortuner Facelift

The Toyota Fortuner facelift made its debut in Thailand in the first half of 2020, and now the India market will soon get the facelift model, along with the higher-spec Legender variant, which comes with sportier styling and additional premium features. The facelift model will have a handful of visual updates. A new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is also a part of the update. The 2.8-litre diesel engine is also expected to get a power and torque upgrade – from 174bhp and 450Nm to 201bhp and 500Nm.

Expected launch: January 2021
Expected price: ₹30 – 36 lakh

Read more:

Upcoming cars in India 2021: Up to ₹15 lakh

Upcoming cars in India 2021: ₹40-60 lakh