Toyota is all set to launch the Innova Crysta Facelift in India. The expected launch date will be on November 20, 2020. Already few dealerships started accepting a booking. The new photos have surfaced of this updated model from Indonesia. Here are some key highlights of this new model.

Exterior

While the overall dimensions remain exactly the same, the facelift model will feature an all-new front grille finished in glossy black with five slats while the outer portion of the grille sports chrome finishing

which is further connected to the headlights. The front fascia resembles the Toyota Highlander SUV and Hilux pick up truck to a certain extent.

The bumper has also been made to resemble an SUV and looks beefier with a faux skid plate. The fog lamps are located lower down in the bumper on the lower variants whereas the higher variants get LED DRLs integrated with the fog lamps on the regular location. There are no major changes on the sides except for the new dual-tone Alloy wheels. The rear too looks exactly the same except for minor changes in the tail lamps.

Interior

The interior of the new Crysta offers a new larger infotainment system which is expected to feature Android Auto and Apple car play. The Indian version is expected to receive a different faux wood treatment as well. Apart from these changes, the overall layout and comfort will remain the same.

Powertrain

Mechanically, no changes are expected and the updated model is expected to get the same engine options as before. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox generates a maximum power of 150PS and maximum torque of 343NM. The 6-speed automatic-equipped diesel variants, however, generate a slightly higher torque figure of 360NM. The 2.7-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine on the other hand produces a maximum power of 167PS and Max torque of 245NM through either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed Automatic transmission.

Launch and pricing

This new facelifted Innova Crysta expected to be priced slightly higher than the outgoing models, the price could increase by Rs60000 to Rs100000. At present, the base petrol variant is available in India with an ex-showroom price tag of Rs.15.66 lakhs while the top-spec diesel variant is priced at Rs.23.63 lakhs. Stay tuned for further updates on the new Innova Crysta.

Ford India and Mahindra had formed a strategic alliance last year. The collaboration, using the strengths of both companies to deliver operational excellence and value to stakeholders. The partnership will allow Ford and Mahindra to offer new product to customers faster than before and will deliver profitable growth to both companies.  We have more received news that Ford’s new line-up of SUVs from the Ford-Mahindra joint venture will be designed by Italian design house Pininfarina which itself is now owned by Mahindra.

Ford Midsize SUV:

      This new mid size 5 seat Ford C segment SUV is likely to be

based on the next-generation Mahindra XUV500 which is currently in testing phase. Both, the underpinnings and the powertrain of the XUV500 will be shared with the Ford SUV. The Mahindra XUV500 is likely to be powered by a mHawk 2.2-litre diesel producing 156PS and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the mStallion engine family producing around 170PS. The new Ford ‘CX757’ SUV will rival the Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier and the MG Hector in the Indian market and expected launch will be to happen only after the launch of the new XUV 500 late next year.
      
Ford Compact SUV:

       A smaller 4300mm length B-SUV will be launched after the C segment SUV. Codenamed ‘BX745’, the B segment SUV is likely to be based on an extended version of the XUV300 and is also expected to be designed by Pininfarina. The B-SUV is likely to arrive with a 1.5-litre TGDi (turbo-petrol) from Mahindra mStallion family producing  around 150PS and a 1.5-litre diesel producing 120PS as well. The smaller B segment SUV will compete against the best selling Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos when launched in Early 2022.
       
Ford Sub Compact SUV:

      The last of the three new SUVs is the next-generation Ford EcoSport sub compact SUV. This new EcoSport is codenamed ‘BX744’ and is also likely to get the design inputs for Pininfarina. The next-generation EcoSport is expected to be powered by the Mahindra XUV300’s 1.2-litre TGDi (turbo-petrol) engine producing 130PS along with the familiar 1.5L 4 cyl diesel engine producing 120PS.
      
   Stay tuned for further information on these new SUVs from the Ford-Mahindra alliance.

Skoda is getting ready for an aggressive 2021. Apart from the new-generation Octavia and Kodiaq petrol next year, Skoda will debut it’s all new ‘India 2.0’ products, starting with an all-new SUV and sedan.

All new mid size SUV (Vision IN):

The most eagerly awaited product is the upcoming Creta fighter that will be a mid-size SUV developed and manufactured entirely for India.

This new mid size SUV was first previewed by the Vision IN concept at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo. The production-spec version will retain most of the design elements from the

concept. This new SUV will be over 4.2m-long and have a 2,671mm wheelbase. It will be based on the India-specific MQB A0 IN platform.

This new Mid size SUV will be available with two engine options. Lower variants are expected to get the 110hp, 1.0-litre TSI engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. Higher variants will be getting the 150hp, 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol motor from the Karoq and will be mated to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. 

Fourth Gen Skoda Octavia:

The launch of the all new fourth-gen Octavia has been pushed to the April-June 2021 period. 

The new Octavia has already been spied testing in India and the India spec model ditches the quad-headlamp setup. The new car adopts the brand’s latest design language and looks similar to the facelifted Superb. The interior gets a new dashboard design, a freestanding 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital dials among other features.

The new Octavia will get a 190hp, 2.0 TSI turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic. However, the lower variants are likely to get the 150hp, 1.5 TSI Petrol engine from the Karoq.

Skoda Kodiaq petrol BS6:

The Kodiaq’s 150hp, 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine will be replaced by the 190hp, 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that is already offered on the Volkswagen Tiguan All-space and Skoda Superb. No exterior or interior changes are expected to the updated model.

All new Generation Skoda Rapid:

The final product for the 2021 year will be the new mid-size sedan that will replace the decade-old Rapid Sedan in India. 

Like the production-spec Vision IN SUV, the upcoming sedan will be based on the MQB A0 IN platform that will bring in key improvements in terms of space and technology. The new Sedan will be larger than the current Rapid and will introduce a lot of features to keep up with competition from the New Honda City. The new Rapid is expected to be priced smartly as well. The engine however, will be the same 110hp, 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol motor mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Stay tuned for further updates on the all new Skoda cars.