Tata Motors’ new premium hatchback, the Altroz has successfully established itself among Indian car buyers since it's launch in January 2020. The standard Altroz is available with either a 1.2L Revotron Naturally aspirated 3 cylinder petrol or a 1.5L Revotorq 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine. The 86PS petrol engine is fine for average users, however it’s definitely not enough for the enthusiasts.

     Tata motors had already hinted at a Turbocharged petrol engine option on the Altroz. The turbo version of the shrugs Altroz has been spotted testing on public roads numerous times as well. Now, however the powertrain specifications and variant

• Will be available with a 1.2L Revotron 3 cyl turbo petrol engine similar to the Tata Nexon.

• Will produce maximum power of 110PS (108bhp) and torque of 140NM through a 5 speed Manual gearbox.

• Will be available with a Sport mode instead of the Economy mode.

• Will also include Engine auto Start/Stop system on specific variants.

• The turbo petrol option is likely to be available on XT, XT(O), XZ and XZ(O) variants.

• The 'Tectonic Blue’ shade from the Nexon will also be made available on the Altroz.

• A DCT wet clutch automatic transmission option too is expected to arrive very soon.

      Though there won't be significant cosmetic changes on the Turbo petrol variants except for the “Turbo” badge at the rear, the higher trim levels are expected to receive some new features such as 60:40 split folding rear seats and connected car tech.

      Pricing for the new turbo petrol equipped version is expected to start from Rs.7.99L for the XT variant and go up to Rs.8.75L for the XZ(O) variant. (All prices ex showroom) Stay tuned for further updates on the Tata Altroz turbo version.

Honda has revealed the new 2022 Honda Civic in prototype form, ahead of the official debut in 2021. The new Civic was unveiled on video game streaming site Twitch to establish a connect with a younger audience, which it believes is the target customer for the Civic. This 11th generation Honda Civic has completely transformed inside and out.

Exterior

The new Civic adapts Honda’s latest design language we have previewed on the Amaze and the new City. Honda has stuck with the wide and low stance the world has come to associate with the Civic, but instead

The new model gets deep-set LED headlights with angular LED daytime running lights flanking the slim grille. The front bumper is dominated by a large radiator grille, flanked by C-shaped black accents for the air intakes.

On the sides, there’s a strong shoulder line that runs from the front fender all the way to the tail-lights, and the window line features a kink on the D-pillar similar to the latest generation Accord sold overseas. This prototype gets 19-inch black alloys with 235-section Pirelli Pilot Super Sport tyres as well.

Similar to the front, the rear too is much simpler. The new car recieves a subtle boot lip spoiler, wraparound LED tail-lights and gloss black surrounds for the exhaust tips.

The new Honda Civic is expected to remain similar in size to the current-gen Civic but have a slightly longer wheelbase. The new Civic is based on an upgraded version of the current Civic’s platform, which is now more rigid to improve driving dynamics, as well as to enhance occupant and pedestrian collision protection.

Interior

The new Civic adopts a cleaner, simpler and mature design language on the inside too, and carries forward some elements from the new City. A freestanding 9.0-inch touchscreen takes the pride of place on the rather minimalistic dashboard. The new Civic will also come with a full-digital instrument cluster. Another highlight will be a honeycomb mesh finish that wraps across the width of the dash and subtly incorporates the AC vents. The centre console appears free of buttons, and only houses three dials for the climate control system.

The new Civic will also feature an electronic parking brake switch, just beside the transmission selector.

The new Civic will also get a host of active and passive safety features, new airbag designs and driver assistance systems, atleast for foreign markets. Though engine and transmission details have not been revealed yet, we are expecting more exciting options with the new Civic as compared to the current generation model.

Launch and pricing

The new Honda Civic will first be showcased in its final production form by early 2021 in the USA, while a market launch is set to take place closer to the middle of 2021. However, going by the dull sales of the current generation model in India, the 11th generation model is not expected to arrive in India before the second half of 2022. When launched, the new Honda Civic will face competition from the new-generation Hyundai Elantra and the new Skoda Octavia.

The Ford Figo has been an underperforming underdog in the Indian B segment hatchback market for a long time now. Despite having a good pair of engines and segment-besting safety features, the second gen Figo never replicated the success of the original model. Part of the reason could be the rather ordinary design and the constant Feature-cuts on the BS6 version.

Now however, the Ford Motor Company has planned several new models for the Indian market based on enthusiast opinions. The new enthusiast line up of Ford cars set to be launched in India include the Ranger Raptor off-road pick-up, Focus

As a result of the Ford-Mahindra alliance, the new-generation Figo is expected to come with one of Mahindra’s new mStallion turbo-petrol engines launched at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo. The Figo is likely to receive the 1.2L TGDI petrol engine with direct injection technology and will produce max power of 120bhp and 200Nm of peak torque, making the 2021 Ford Figo petrol, India’s most powerful hatchback.

Apart from the new engine, the new Figo will also receive a significantly updated design language, keeping in line with some new Ford cars sold abroad. The interior too will be completely revamped, featuring way more features than ever before. Expected features include a new touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Auto climate control with rear AC vents, smart key with push-button start, Ford pass connected car tech, an updated instrument cluster and larger alloy wheels. Safety features will include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, engine immobilizer and pretensioner seatbelts as standard whereas the top spec Variants will recieve Electronic Stability Program, Hill Launch assist, Traction control and a reverse parking camera.

The current Ford Figo hatchback comes with a 1.2L, 3-cylinder petrol, and a 1.5L, 4 cylinder diesel. While the 1.2L petrol unit makes 96bhp and 120Nm, the 1.5L diesel unit develops a peak power of 100bhp and 215Nm of torque. While the current crop of engines and 5 speed Manual gearboxes are expected to be carried forward, a new 6 speed torque converter automatic transmission is also expected to be offered with the petrol engines.

Stay tuned for further updates on the new Ford Cars.