Upcoming sedans & hatchbacks launching in 2022

While homegrown giant Maruti Suzuki is set to bring the next generation of its premium hatchback, the Baleno, VW Group is all set to revive the sedan segment in India with two exciting launches! Here's a look at the upcoming sedans & hatchbacks launching in 2022.

Citroën C3

The Citroën C3 is the first of three models under the French carmaker’s C-cubed programme developed for the Indian market. It will also be the brand’s first mass-market car in India that will be locally manufactured with over 90% localisation. The Citroën C3 will go up against several cars while being positioned between the Hyundai i10 and i20, but it’s the Tata Punch that will take the position of its arch-rival. 

Expected Launch: March 2022
Expected Price: ₹6 – 10 Lakh

*Generic image used for representational purpose only.

New Maruti Suzuki Baleno

In 2022, the king of the premium hatch segment is getting a serious update in terms of both design and equipment. Let’s talk about the former first. Expect sharper styling all around, with more angular bumpers, new DRL signatures for the headlights, redesigned taillights, and a reworked rear-end. However, it’s in terms of features that the Baleno really kicks things up a notch. A larger infotainment screen is set to take centre stage in a redesigned dashboard, with an updated UI and connected car tech, among other additions. Mechanically, the 1.2-litre petrol, in both naturally-aspirated and mild-hybrid guise, is expected to continue to do duty under the hood.

Expected Launch: February 2022
Expected Price: ₹6.5 – 10 Lakh

Skoda Slavia

Skoda’s Slavia has big expectations riding on its shoulders. It’s being billed as the sedan that could get new car buyers to re-discover their love for the segment. The Slavia will share its underpinnings with the Kushaq, and it will make use of the same 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines. Both engines will get a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and will also be offered with the added convenience of an automatic. The Slavia is expected to be slightly more premium than the Kushaq, as it will get a digital instrument cluster, something that the Skoda SUV misses out on. Overall, the Slavia has the same suave demeanour as bigger Skoda sedans, like the Octavia and Superb, which is expected to play a big role in increasing its desirability factor. 

Expected Launch: March 2022
Expected Price: ₹10 – 17 Lakh

Volkswagen Virtus

The Virtus will be Volkswagen’s take on what a C-segment sedan should be; however, it too will share its platform and powertrains with its SUV-sibling, the Taigun. This means it will be available with the same 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines and the same 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options of other VW Group cars. The Virtus, however, will have a different take in terms of its exterior and interior. The design is expected to be understated like all VW sedans, and the interior is expected to make use of rich materials to make it stand out. The feature list could also be longer than other cars in the segment, and it might get a premium feature or two from higher segments.

Expected Launch: Mid-2022
Expected Price: ₹10 – 18 Lakh