Toyota India is preparing to launch the facelifted Toyota Fortuner on the 6th of January, 2021. Apart from launching the facelifted version of the existing Fortuner, Toyota is also bringing the Legender version of the SUV as well. The Legender is essentially a highly upgraded flagship Variant of the Fortuner SUV, previously launched in Thailand and Australia. Bookings have commenced unofficially for the new facelifted SUV at select dealerships for an advance of ?50,000.

Exterior:

The majority of the upgrades will occur at the front end of the Fortuner. While the facelift of the existing model will feature a new grille, LED

headlights with LED DRLs, redesigned fog lights and a new silver skid plate, the highest-spec Legender variant will feature a sharper front design with Bi-projector LED Headlamps with LED DRLs. Other changes will include redesigned 18” alloy wheels and re-profiled LED taillights. The Legender will feature unique design 20” alloy wheels.

Interior:

The new Fortuner launched in Thailand features an all-black interior with a new instrument cluster and a larger, 9” touchscreen infotainment system. The Fortuner Legender edition also offers a powered tailgate with the swipe-to-open function, wireless charging and a 360-degree parking camera. Similar to the facelifted Innova Crysta, the new Fortuner will also include Android auto and Apple carplay finally. 

Powertrains:

The first powertrain for the facelifted Fortuner will be the 2.7L petrol engine which produces 166 PS and 245 Nm through either a 6 speed manual or automatic gearbox. The highest spec Fortuner Legender will get a new 2.8L turbo diesel engine which produces 204 PS and 500 Nm. While all the models will be 2WD as standard, only the diesel will get a 4WD option.

Price:

The current BS6 Toyota Fortuner is available from ?28.66 lakh to ?36.88 lakh (ex-showroom).

The price of the upgraded models will be available on the launch date, 6th January 2021.

Stay tuned for further updates on the new Fortuner.

Suzuki’s popular Swift has been around for many years. After all, the Japanese manufacturer has been giving it all the important touches and updates over time, making it seem fresh and ageless.

After its latest update in 2016, the Suzuki Swift has now been launched in Japan with many changes and we could expect to see this in India towards the last quarter of 2020. Not only are the updates just cosmetic, we expect to see some changes related to engine and performance too!

Expected Features: The new Swift won’t have too many significant changes in terms of looks. Small changes like

a new grille and a redesigned front bumper could make it look like it got a much needed change but the overall look remains the same. Images also suggest a new look in terms of skirts and new alloy wheels. Auto folding ORVMs, cruise control feature, a new 4.2 inch MID colour display and new upholstery to refresh the feel inside could be a part of the new Facelifted Swift.  However, not much could be said about additions in terms of safety features as they remain the same. Electronic Stability Control and hill hold assist could new additions to the AMT variants.

 

Price:
The new facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift is expected to cost Rs. 20,000 more than the outgoing model. So prices could start at around 5.5 Lakhs and go all the way upto Rs. 8.20 Lakhs (Ex- Showroom Delhi).

 

Engine and Performance: The new Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift 2021 could be launched with a 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine as seen on the facelifted Maruti Suzuki Dzire. The new engine produces 90PS power, 7PS more than the current Swift’s petrol engine while the torque remains unchanged at 113NM. We do think that’s a good step taken towards offering more power.

In terms of fuel efficiency, we expect the new Swift to fetch similar mileage figures as the existing Maruti Suzuki Swift. Howver, the engine in question comes with an idle start-stop feature which could help improve overall fuel efficiency. Speaking of the transmission, Maruti will continue to offer the facelifted Swift the 5 speed manual and AMT gearbox. Keeping in mind the BS6 norms, there would be no diesel engine on offer in the facelifted Swift.

 

So, would the new Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Swift make you want to buy it? Or, would you consider any of the other hatchbacks in the market like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Ford Figo, Ford Freestyle, Hyundai i20 and the Volkswagen Polo?

 

Hyundai India will be launching the new i20 premium hatchback in the coming weeks. Prior to its launch, the new premium hatchback has started to arrive at dealerships. There are few visible changes to the India spec i20 as compared to the European one. The i20 has been one among their best selling products and still is one among the most feature loaded hatchbacks in its category. This here is a quick walkthrough on the highlights of the new generation Hyundai i20.

Exterior: 

       The new Hyundai i20, sports a completely different design language. On the front fascia, it features a new and

larger hexagonal cascading grille with a more swooping bonnet and angular headlamps. The headlamps will feature LED lighting on the top spec trims along with DRLs. Lower variants will get Projector units. Projector fog lamps are also expected to be offered. The new i20 will be longer and wider than the current model. The sides have sharp, dynamic creases lending the car a more dynamic profile. The window line features Chrome detailing which flows from the A pillar to the top of the C pillar whereas the snazzy Z-shaped LED Tail lamps are connected by a chrome bar running across the width. The new i20 will also receive unique looking 16” alloy wheels on the top spec variants.

Interior:

       The new Hyundai i20's interior will feature a fresh and clean layout with a wraparound layered design. The interior is expected to sport a flowing cockpit theme while being loaded with features.

 Here's an extensive list of features on the top spec variants of the new i20:

• 10.25” touchscreen system

• Blue link connectivity

• Fully digital instrument cluster

• Automatic climate control

• Air purifier system

• Ambient lighting

• Leather upholstery

• Split folding rear seats

• Electric sunroof

• Auto LED headlamps

• Cruise control

The new i20 will also offer more safety features:

• Pretensioner seatbelts

• 6 airbags

• ABS with EBD

• ESP with traction control

• Hill hold control

• ISOFIX child seat mounts

• Smart key access

• Geofencing & tracking

Powertrains:

       The new i20 is will be available with two petrol engine options and one diesel engine. The standard 1.2L 4 cyl Kappa petrol engine will produce 83PS Power through either a 5 Speed manual transmission or a CVT. The 1.0L 3 cyl turbo petrol powertrain is expected to be carried over from the Venue Turbo producing a maximum output of 120PS through either a 6 speed IMT gearbox or a 7 speed DCT. The 1.5L turbo diesel engine from the Venue is also expected to be on offer producing 100PS Power through a 6 speed manual transmission.

Launch & price:

       The all-new i20 is likely to be launched by the end of October this year and will go up against the new Tata Altroz, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the new facelifted Honda Jazz and Toyota’s Glanza. Prices are expected to be around ?20000 to ?50000 higher than the current gen model which it will replace.