It's been almost a decade since the launch of the Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid in India. Finally, these mid size sedans are scheduled to get replaced by all-new models in 2021. However, before laughing the sedans, VW-Skoda will be launching the SUVs first. 

The production version of the Skoda Vision IN concept SUV will be the first all new product in their new launch strategy. Next in-line will be the Volkswagen Taigun midsize SUV. Only after these launches, VW’s mid-size sedan will come to the market.

Similar to the current Vento-Rapid models, the new generation sedans will share their underpinnings, switchgear

Both the midsize sedans are expected to retain the current 110hp, 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, along with the 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque convertor automatic options. Besides this, VW-SKODA is also likely to bring a hybrid based powertrain.

The larger 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit seen on the VW-SKODA SUVs will not be offered on the new Vento and Rapid sedans.

VW-SKODA is pushing for 95 percent localisation and more parts sharing of new upcoming models to reduce costs.

Stay tuned for further updates on Skoda Volkswagen's new upcoming cars.

Maruti has been subjected to a lot of speculation to launch the globally popular Jimny compact off road SUV to India. Maruti had showcased it at the Delhi Auto Expo earlier this year. But there has been no confirmed news until now.

A youtuber (@KarDIY) has recently spotted a white-coloured Maruti Jimny Sierra prototype on the streets of Gurugram. It is the exact same 3 door model sold globally. This top spec Sierra variant also gets alloy wheels.

The global sold Suzuki Jimny is 3550 mm in length, 1645 mm in width and has a height of 1730 mm. It also has

We expect the India spec version to come with the same 105PS, 1.5-litre petrol engine as seen on the Brezza, S-Cross and Ciaz. The Jimny will also come as standard a part-time 4WD system.

In terms of features, the Jimny is expected to get the following:

• Flat bottom steering wheel

• Projector headlamps

• Fog lamps

• 15” alloy wheels

• Auto climate control

• 7” touchscreen

• Android auto & Apple carplay

• Steering mounted audio controls

• Power windows & mirrors

• Rear defogger and wiper

• 2 airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Brake assist

• Smart key with Push button start

There is also speculation that the compact SUV will be introduced in a new India-specific 5-door avatar by 2021.

It remains to be seen whether the India spec version will retain the Jimny name or be renamed the Gypsy. Regarding pricing, Maruti Suzuki is expected to price the Jimny in the Rs.9L to Rs.15L range and will go up against the only other Off roader, the Mahindra Thar's petrol versions.

Stay tuned for further updates on the Suzuki Jimny.

Tata Motors have revealed their flagship Safari 7-seat SUV on the 26th January 2021. The new Safari will be available in 6 variants in total.

The Variants include:

XE, XM, XT, XT+, XZ, XZ+

The new gen Safari is essentially the 7 seat extended version of the Harrier 5 seat SUV based on the Land Rover derived OMEGA arc platform. Earlier this SUV was named the Buzzard at the Geneva auto expo, which was then changed to Gravitas for the Delhi auto expo last year. Now, Tata motors has finalized that it will be the successor to legendary

Based on the Harrier, the Safari will be around 60mm longer than the Harrier to accommodate the extra 2 seats while also being taller to provide better headroom for the 3rd row. Except for the larger dimensions and extra seats, the Safari is largely similar to the 5-seat Harrier. However, the front grille gets a slightly different treatment, featuring the signature Tri-arrow pattern finished in Chrome.

The tailgate is more upright, giving the Safari a more boxy appearance and the SUV will also feature long functional roof rails for lifestyle utility. The top spec variants will receive 18” dual tone alloy wheels with the design similar to the Harrier's whereas the lower spec variants will carry forward the exact same 16” Steel wheels seen on the Harrier’s lower variants. The higher variants are also offered with a Panoramic sunroof.

The new Safari will be available with 7 seats as standard while only the XZ and XZ+ will be optional with a 6 seat configuration.

Here’s a detailed walkthrough on the features available on the different Variants:

XE:

Projector headlamps

Functional roof rails (75kg load bearing)

Halogen bi-functional DRLs

Central locking

All-black interior

Telescopic steering wheel

Front center armrest with cooled storage

Power windows

Manual Aircon

Rear AC vents

Digital MID

60:40 split 2nd row seats

Boss mode 2nd row

50:50 split 3rd row

16” Steel rims

Standard safety features include:

Dual airbags

Pretensioner seatbelts

All wheel disc brakes

ABS with EBD

Corner stability control

ESP with traction control

Hill hold control

Roll over mitigation

Hydraulic brake assist

Electronic brake prefill

Brake disc wiping

Engine drag torque control

ISOFIX child seat mounts

Reverse sensors

Engine immobilizer

Perimetric alarm

XM:

Front fog lamps

Rear wiper/washer and defogger

Electrically adjustable ORVMs

Driver seat height adjust

7” touchscreen system

Reverse assist display

6 speakers from Harman

Steering mounted audio controls

Rear armrest

Remote central locking

Multi drive modes : City, Eco and Sport

XT:

18” single tone alloys

Soft touch dash top

Dual tone interior

Reverse camera

Android Auto & Apple carplay

IRA connect features

What 3 words

Smart key access

Push button start

Power folding ORVMs

Cruise control

Auto climate control

Auto Headlamps & wipers

Mood lighting

Auto dimming IRVM

Tyre pressure monitoring system

XT+:

Panoramic sunroof

XZ:

Dual tone machined 18” alloys

Xenon projector headlamps

Oyster white Leather upholstery

Leather wrap steering and gear lever

7” semi digital instrument cluster

8.8” touchscreen system

9 speakers from JBL with subwoofer

6 way Powered driver seat

Driver lumbar adjust

Terrain response modes (Wet and rough modes)

Additional safety features include:

6 Airbags

Hill descent control

XZ+:

Panoramic sunroof

Powertrain:

       The Safari, just like the Harrier will be available with a diesel engine mated to a 6 speed manual transmission as standard. A 6 speed torque converter automatic transmission will be available only on the XMA, XZA and XZA+ variants. The 2L Kryotec turbo diesel produces 170PS Power and 350NM torque. From the XM variant onwards, the Safari will be available with three drive modes; Eco, City and Sport.

Launch & price:

        The new Safari is expected to be priced from ?15L to ?20L for the Manual variants and ?17.5L to ?21L for the Automatic variants. Bookings for the new Safari will commence from the 4th of February onwards and when launched, Tata’s new flagship SUV will compete against the likes of the MG Hector plus and the next generation Mahindra XUV500.

Stay tuned for further updates on the pricing.