We are almost halfway in the month of March 2023 and have already seen the much awaited Honda City facelift go on sale. More new car, SUV launches and global debuts are in the pipline like the new Verna, Innova Crysta diesel and a few others. Here's what to expect.
New Hyundai Verna - March 21 global debut
The all-new Verna gets radical styling on the outside and will be a tad larger than the outgoing model. It will come with a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, while the 115hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine will be carried over as is. Like the rest of the midsize sedan segment, the new Verna will not get a diesel engine anymore. Bookings for the new Verna are currently open and price announcement could take place in India on the same day as the global debut.
Toyota Innova Crysta diesel
Toyota has reintroduced the Innova Crysta diesel after a short hiatus. Before getting discontinued, the Crysta was only available with the 2.7-litre petrol engine, whereas it will now be available only with the 2.4-litre diesel powertrain. This is also the first time Toyota will sell two Innova models simultaneously. Furthermore, as a part of the update, the Innova Crysta also gets a revised front bumper, grille and fog lamp housing.
Lexus RX SUV
Lexus showcased the fifth-gen RX SUV at Auto Expo 2023 and it is expected to be launched in the coming days. It will be available in two trims – RX 350h Luxury and RX 500h F Sport Performance. It gets a choice of a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol, where both get strong-hybrid assist. While the former is paired to a CVT, the latter gets a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG
Once it is launched, the Brezza will become the first CNG-powered vehicle in the country with an automatic gearbox. It will be powered by the 1.5-litre K15C DualJet engine that also does duty in the Ertiga and XL6. In the MPVs, it produces 100hp and 136Nm in petrol mode and 88hp and 121.5Nm in CNG mode. Expect similar outputs in the Brezza. While the Ertiga and XL6 CNG get only a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Brezza will also get a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Maruti’s latest compact SUV is the Baleno-based Fronx SUV coupe. It will get two engine options – a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.2-litre petrol. While both are coupled with a 5-speed manual, the turbo-petrol will get a 6-speed automatic and the petrol gets an AMT gearbox. It will be sold via Nexa outlets and will rival the Citroen C3, Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.