As we enter the new financial year, there are four car launches lined up this month – two each at completely opposite spectrums of the market. In the mass-market category, Maruti and MG will launch the Fronx compact crossover and the Comet EV, respectively, while the top-rung performance segment will see the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S e-performance hybrid and the Lamborghini Urus S enter our market. Here’s what you can expect from each.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx launch: mid-April
The Fronx is a compact coupe-crossover that’s based on the Baleno hatchback and, importantly, brings back a turbo-petrol engine to Maruti’s stable, since the discontinuation of the Baleno RS. The new 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo unit will be offered with either a 5-speed MT or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. Maruti’s tried and tested 90hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine will also be on offer with a 5-speed MT and AMT gearbox. The Fronx will see a lot of parts sharing with the Baleno for its interior and will be sold through the Nexa outlets. The price announcement is expected by the second week of April, and is slated to be in the Rs 8 lakh-11 lakh range.
Mercedes-AMG GT63 S e-performance launch: April 11
The GT63 S e-performance 4-door coupe is the first plug-in hybrid from AMG and also the most powerful production car that Mercedes makes. Under the hood is a 639hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine coupled with a 204hp electric motor. Combined, they produce 843hp and over 1,400Nm of torque. It also has an electric-only range of 12km and the electric motor alone can achieve a top speed of 130kph. It also gets AMG-specific styling with large gaping air intakes on the front bumper, a Panamericana grille, bespoke alloy wheels and a spoiler on the boot lid. You can expect it to be priced above Rs 3 crore (ex-showroom).
Lamborghini Urus S launch: April 13
Following a super sedan will be a super SUV in the form of the Lamborghini Urus S. It's meant to be a more comfort-oriented version of the Urus and will be positioned below the track-focused Urus Performante. The main difference between the Performante and the S is the suspension – the former uses fixed coil springs while the latter gets adaptive air suspension. The Urus S, however, shares its engine with the Performante – a 666hp, 4.0-litre, V8 twin-turbo petrol engine that’s mated to an 8-speed torque converter unit. Also, unlike the Performante which now gets a Rally mode, the S retains the regular off-road modes – Sand, Snow and Mud. The Performante is priced at Rs 4.22 crore (ex-showroom, India), so expect Urus S to sit below it.
MG Comet EV launch: late-April
The Comet EV will be MG’s second all-electric vehicle in India after the ZS EV, but one that will be strictly positioned as an urban commuter. Its compact dimensions, two-door body style, and futuristic design elements give it a very quirky presence, while the four-seater interior will be tech-laden with nothing entry-level about it – expect high-quality materials and a lot of standard features. It’s expected to be powered by a 20-25kWh battery with around 250km of driving range. Importantly, the battery will be locally sourced from Tata AutoComp and power output is expected to be around 50kW (68hp). It’s expected to be priced upwards of Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).
Which of these upcoming new cars are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below.
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